Q&A with Artist Brenda Brudet

1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Brenda. I live in The Netherlands, and I was born here too, but I’m from Surinamese decent. Surinam is a former Dutch colony in South America. I’ve been working as a web designer for about 15 years now. But the last 2 years I’ve been working towards establishing myself as a professional fine artist. And it’s been a wonderful journey. It all started when I saw a video on YouTube of someone working with Panpastel. It seemed like such a fun medium to work with, so I decided to give it a go. And it made me fall back in love with art all over again. I’ve been creating soft pastel and oil portraits ever since. 

2. What is the creative community like in Netherlands?

Well, there’s a thriving mainstream art scene. But It doesn’t really appeal to me that much. I’m a self-taught artist, and I’m very big on taking control of your own art career. So I tend to just stick to myself and do my own thing. But I do have a few like-minded art friends from The Netherlands. We share similar backgrounds. They’re also self-taught, black female artist and we’ve started our art careers around the same time. So we have a good connection and sincerely support each other. 

3. Have you always had a passion for fine art?

Yes, I have. Growing up I used to watch my big sister create these amazing drawings, and that made me want to be able to do that too. I used to draw all the time when I was young. But unfortunately, I wasn’t conditioned to view art as a viable career option, so I chose another path. But I felt miserable. Being creative is like breathing to me. I can’t imagine live without it. So as a compromise I then became a web designer. It’s creative but provides a stable income. I still do that part time.

4. Is there a specific color palette that you like to work with?

Yes, there is. I’m very much drawn to soft, muted and feminine colors. So lots of pinks, minty greens, turquoise, violets and warm neutrals. You’ll see that in pretty much all of my work.

5. How long do you spend on an average painting?

I have a very realistic style, so it takes me quite some time to finish a painting. About 20 hours on average. But it depends on the size and complexity of the piece.

6. Love all your paining, the botanical and female combo is just stunning. What is your favourite painting?

Thank you! I would say ‘A space between spaces’. It’s one of the first pastel pieces I’ve created, and it’s very dear to me. I still remember the feeling I had after finishing the piece. It’s like falling in love. I was floating on air, and I almost couldn’t believe I had created that. It’s like magic you know, creating something beautiful. It gives a rush every single time. And this particular piece made me dare to dream and think that an art career could be obtainable.

 

7. For me it’s hard to choose so I’ll ask about 3 of them but love them all. How did you get inspired for “Exposed”?

‘Exposed’ is a piece about letting your guards down and showing your true self. It’s a reoccurring theme in my work. Maybe because I’m an introvert it’s my way of reminding myself to not be afraid of putting myself out there.

8. What inspired you for “Enthroned” the oil painting and gold leaf?

‘Enthroned’ depicts the black woman as royalty. We all need to remind ourselves of that sometimes. Be reminded of our worth and to be urged to claim our throne, especially when people try to make you feel less than. 

9. Where did you get the inspiration for “You’re the sunflower”?

This is also an empowering piece. Like ‘Exposed’ it shows a woman’s beauty, inside and out. And that you shouldn’t be afraid to let that beauty shine, like a sunflower. 

 

10. How do you think your art can inspire women?

My art is all about inspiring and empowering women. My aim is to create emotive and relatable portraits that touch the heart and leave you with a positive feeling. It might not resonate with everybody, and that’s okay. But I’d be very happy and blessed if I could touch even one person with my art.

11. Who would you love to have the opportunity to paint?

There’s a Dutch politician, her name is Sylvana Simmons. She’s been very focal about systemic racism, gender equality and such, and she’s very much hated for it, unfortunately. She’s a very strong, smart and eloquent woman, and absolutely gorgeous too. I would love to paint her one day. And Michelle Obama, of course.

12. Surreal days... what are you doing to keep your spirits up?

Paint!! You know, having to stay home doesn’t affect me as much. I’ve always been a bit of a hermit, so it’s business as usual I guess ;-)  I love to spend time in my home art studio, painting, listening to music, or podcasts. I even watch Netflix while painting. It’s tons of fun, and very relaxing. I would recommend it to anybody.

13. How can we buy your art? Do you ship internationally?

Original artwork and prints are available through my website www.brendabrudet.com. Or you can DM me on instagram (www.instagram.com/brendabrudetart) because I tend to post my newest artwork there before it goes up in the shop. And yes, I do ship internationally.

Buy Brenda Brudet art now

 www.brendabrudet.com

www.instagram.com/brendabrudetart

Vanity Afro, 26/10/2020