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

Hi Brenda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew that being an artist was a life long path so back in 1995 I decided to be professional about it as soon as I began exhibiting and selling my artwork.

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.
In my art I’m conjuring the mysterious and enchanted. I find it truly delightful to dive into the dark and hide in the secretive. I’m often feeling my way towards something that seems deep, ancient, and timeless by way of the abstract and symbolic.

It’s been almost 30 years that I’ve been creating, exhibiting, and selling my work! I have over 350 private collectors and that number is growing consistently. Staying true to my vision and listening to my intuition has been one of the keys to overcoming any challenges and having the longevity I’ve experienced. One of the lessons I learned is that not everyone wants you to succeed, so be your own cheerleader, hone your own internal guidance, and don’t go looking for approval from others.

The thing about my art is that it not only acknowledges but celebrates the grit and mystery of life. Through abstract forms and symbolic imagery it goes beneath and around politeness and ordinary nature, to something that resonates on deeper, sometimes darker, and sometimes other worldly planes

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting I would make sure they brought their hiking boots to enjoy the plethora of gorgeous places to explore on foot! I like to cook so it really is about finding all the little specialty shops to purchase special ingredients and host some dinner parties. The art museums and galleries here in Denver are wonderful so I would be showing off the variety of institutions we have, as well as doing some studio visits of my artist friends – that’s a highlight for sure!

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?
My spelling is probably incorrect, but I would put a spotlight on my elementary art teacher Miss Knotkey, my 6th grade teacher Ms. Funteck, and my Commercial Art teacher in 11th and 12th grade Mrs. McGroarty. Thank you for all your encouragement!

Website: https://brendastumpf.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenda_stumpf/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brendastumpfstudios

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.