mixed media
I enjoy exploring many forms of artistic expression, and mixed media allows me the freedom to combine materials, textures, and techniques in unexpected ways. Working beyond the canvas invites experimentation and creative play while still honoring strong design and composition.
Painting plates has become a favorite form of expression because they offer both beauty and versatility. Each piece can be displayed as wall art or placed on a stand for a table, shelf, or bookcase, allowing collectors to enjoy art in a more intimate, lived-in way. These works blur the line between fine art and functional object, making them unique and personal.
Every mixed media piece is thoughtfully created and one of a kind. The layers, materials, and hand-finished details ensure that no two are ever alike. Collecting one of these works means owning a distinctive piece of art that brings texture, dimension, and creative energy into a space—art meant to be seen, enjoyed, and lived with.
spirit sticks
Several of my mixed-media pieces draw profound inspiration from spiritual practices from my Native American heritage and traditions of Spirit or Prayer Sticks. These religious implements, whose rituals vary among tribes, intrigued me with their power. The addition of elements like feathers symbolizes the departure of negativity and evil entities.
Furthermore, I use the imagery of shed antlers to represent renewal. Antlers, which grow and fall each year, remind us to embrace personal growth, overcome obstacles, and trust in a new season. They embody God’s grace and support, symbolizing the act of shedding past burdens and starting fresh with renewed strength and provision.
The Ceramic Plate Collection
My artistic practice also includes creating unique ceramic plates, which provide an essential creative outlet. This medium grants me the freedom to explore vivid, high-chroma colors and utilize three-dimensional elements to enhance the surface design. These pieces are often prepped with hardware for wall mounting, allowing them to be displayed as artful, sculptural clusters or as bold, individual statements on a stand.
“I have enjoyed Brenda’s art and admired her as an artist for a long time. She has a unique ability to work across various media and draws inspiration from multiple sources. Whether her spirit sticks, beach scenes in acrylic or her modernist plate series, Brenda provides an inspired and inspiring perspective.”