Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Brazzel.
Hi Kendra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Kendra Brazzel, and I am a self -taught mixed media artist, currently an Artist in Residence at the Magnolia Art Xchange in Ocala, Fl. My journey into the art world began in the spring of 2020. After relocating from Orange County, California, to Tampa, Florida, I immersed myself in a new role at an art gallery. Until this point in life, my exposure to art was limited to museums I had visited. I loved the job. However, the onset of Covid-19 brought everything to a standstill. With no job, few connections, and ample free time, I embraced this unexpected pause to reassess my life. It seemed fate had a hand in my newfound path. During my initial days in Florida, I crossed paths with Seth Benzel, an artist based in Ocala. His passion for abstract art ignited a spark, prompting me to pick up a paintbrush and explore my creativity.
Before moving to Florida, my life pre-Covid had been hectic, to say the least. Art became my sanctuary. It became a way for me to express my innermost feelings. I quieted my mind, and I learned to let go of the unrealistic expectations I had of myself. Painting became my sanctuary. Starting with acrylics on canvas, I ventured into experimenting with thread and then delving into watercolors. My techniques evolved, incorporating fabrics and intricate threadwork into my creations.
In June of 2022, I decided to relocate to Ocala, where my parents live. With their encouragement, I kept creating, and in October of that year, I submitted two paintings to a group show at the Marion Cultural Alliance. They were accepted, and I won “Best in Show” for one of them! A month later, I joined 8th Ave. Gallery as a Resident Artist, this marked a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. A year of exploration and self-discovery paved the way for my acceptance into the Magnolia Art Xchange in September 2023. I now have a beautiful studio space with six other Resident Artists.
Last spring, I decided to apply as an “Emerging Artist” to the Ocala Fine Art Festival. A particular watercolor style captivated me, and I became determined to figure it out. I needed something that would make me stand out, and I also needed to build up an inventory in case I was accepted to the festival. During that time, I began recording my process and posting it on social media. I was not the only one captivated by this flowing painting style. Soon, I got hundreds of views on my videos and then thousands! I engaged with people, answered questions, encouraged them when they wanted to try it out, and shared my story. I got so much support from this virtual community it blew my mind! After a few months, I created a website and began selling my work to people all over the country, and I have even sent paintings to Germany, New Zealand, and Australia.
In addition to a virtual support network, the supportive artist community in Ocala has been a wellspring of inspiration, propelling my growth within a very short time span. To have a dedicated space for creativity, surrounded by such talent, is a dream realized. My aspiration is that my artwork, with its whimsical charm, will captivate and evoke delight in those who encounter it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, there are always some bumps along the way! I’ve struggled with “imposter syndrome,” putting too much pressure on myself, and occasional burnout – or creative lulls from overdoing it. Last year, I was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis to 6 different chemicals after experiencing about 8 months of the most horrific all-over itching and rashes you could imagine. With this diagnosis, I learned I was allergic to rubber accelerators and propylene glycol. Without going into too much boring detail, I found out I was allergic to most of my clothing, anything containing elastic, latex, or adhesives, and almost every soap, cosmetic, and skin care product I used. This has been a (primary delete this word) life-altering diagnosis and has created a handful of challenges for creating my art. But I have been detoxing my environment, reading many labels, getting creative, and finding ways to work without glue, tape, or other adhesives.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I will be painting live for the first time on June 7th during a show that pairs live music with live artmaking, and involves audience interaction. It’s called Couch Sessions. It’s an opportunity to showcase the creative process, and it’s really fun to be in the audience and have the opportunity to ask questions of the artist and musician. I am also having my first solo exhibition, titled “Work in Progress” beginning June 22 at the Magnolia Art Exchange, that will run through July 27th. I was also just awarded a solo exhibition in the City of Ocala City Hall in 2025.
Beyond these events, I intend to continue creating art that is fascinating and unpredictable. The flow of color and random patterns that emerge on the paper make this painting style organically abstract and a delight to create. With each stroke, my imagination ignites anew. The paint’s unexpected paths as it dances across the surface compel me to venture into uncharted territories of motion, hue, and medium. The addictive allure lies in not knowing precisely where the journey of discourse and harmony will lead.
My preferred mediums include liquid watercolors, high-flow or acrylic inks, and water-based pigments. Beginning with a foundation of dry paper, I layer these elements before introducing moisture to guide the pigments’ flow. I shape the evolving artwork through techniques like pooling, tilting, swiping, blowing, or using brushes and pipettes. Creating in this manner allows me to relinquish control over the outcome, trusting in the paint’s ultimate expression. Even after my hands have ceased intervention, the painting continues evolving, metamorphosing into its final form. My initial concepts for imagery, color schemes, or techniques invariably evolve into something unexpected. Embracing the unforeseen revelations on the paper has become a vital lesson. This painting style has taught me to perceive the world as it desires to be seen—organic, slightly chaotic, yet brimming with wondrous discoveries.
I’m most proud that I am following my passion and blazing my trail. My style is unique because I don’t need to learn the rules. I’m making my own! I figure things out by experimenting, unlike many other artists. I am thrilled when people are interested in my process, and I can’t wait to share it. Some say I shouldn’t give away all my secrets. People may copy me. I can’t even create the same thing twice! I want others to experience the joy of watching the paints flow across the page, gently coaxed by water and brush.
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m most happy when I am painting. My abstract style relieves me of any expectations of the outcome and allows me to be fully immersed in the creative process. If anything is troubling me, it all just falls away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kendrabrazzel.art/
- Instagram: @kendrabrazzelart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KendraBrazzelArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-brazzel-7091227b/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@KendraBrazzelArt
