We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenna Detwiler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenna, why did you pursue a creative career?
The simple answer? I pursue a creative career and a creative life because I truly enjoy creating. Creating to me is play. It’s extremely fun and it is SO satisfying. I’m a graphic designer for work, an illustrator on the side, and have recently become an enthusiastic glass artist as well. I find the most fulfilling part of my work to be in the final stages of creation – when all of the struggle and the experimentation begins to come together into one cohesive thought. I love surprising myself and have recently been pushing myself to leave my comfort zone. Some of my current goals for this year are to create illustration and design work with local businesses, join the market community and sell my glass work at an art market & to continue to build and shape my personal branding and style.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Originally from Kentucky, I’m inspired most by the natural world. One of my favorite things about Kentucky are the lush, rolling hills and rich forests. One of my favorite things to do is hike and collect pieces of the world around me – often filling my pockets with rocks, leaves, sticks, or dead insects. The vibrant colors, patterns, and tiny, intricate details on every specimen I pick up leaves me wanting more, inspiring me to create. I am a graphic designer, illustrator, sculptor, glass artist, and a billion other things. While all those things truly bring me joy, nothing has been as satisfying as my glass work. I am only scratching the surface, but already I am so enthralled by the variations and subtleties of each sheet of glass – the thrill of physically cutting and shaping each piece, and the best part: SOLDERING. I could go on forever. The actual execution of the pieces are thrilling to me, and give me deep satisfaction every time I finish one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My top 3 favorite spots in the city are the public library, Gemut Biergarten, and Franklin Art Glass. The public library has an overflowing fountain of free or reduced cost resources, a delightful gift shop and cafe, and the iconic topiary garden. Absolute 10/10. Gemut Biergarten has some delicious cocktails and food, but my favorite part are the giant stained glass windows depicting 5 norse mythological figures. Absolutely one of my favorite art pieces in Columbus. Last but not least is Franklin Art Glass, which sells all kinds of gorgeous glass and glass crafting tools and accessories – it is my favorite place to shop.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to shout out mine and my husband’s families for their continued support and love – my parents for encouraging me to be creative, making it possible for me to go to art school, my husband’s family for the additional support, and thinking of me for any creative opportunities they come across, and my siblings who were my first and most important creative peers.

Website: https://brennadetwiler.com

Instagram: @possumlizard

Image Credits
All images owned by Brenna Detwiler

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