Meet Candace Bryant | Artist

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

Hi Candace, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve made happened recently. Back in February, I left my career in social work to become a full-time artist. I had been in the field for almost 7 years, and though I was following my heart in exiting, I experienced tremendous guilt leaving a helping profession. I felt like I was letting people down, especially in this time where there is such a shortage of people in the field.

At the same time, the desire to make art was growing way too strong in me, and I knew it is what I wanted to do. Though it was hard to make the transition, I now feel like I made the right choice and the art and inspiration just hasn’t stopped flowing since. I feel like I am on the right path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My two passions are embroidery and painting. I started embroidering back in 2012. I started with cross stitch, patterns and really enjoyed making snarky quotes, logos or funny wall art.
Eventually, I got curious to freehand embroider on different fabrics, and started doing more and more realistic looking pieces.

I started painting in 2022 and jumped head-first into a series. I love bright colors – I am a 90s/Y2k kid who grew up on Lisa Frank, Barbie, Betsey Johnson, etc. I am currently halfway through my “Neon Candy” series. The first was a desert (my first painting), and I have also done a beach scene. I am currently working on a neon rainforest, and it is so much fun!

I also like painting traditional landscapes. I am obsessed with Hawaii, and have done a few paintings of beaches there, some I’ve been to, some not yet (Big Beach & Waikiki).

My favorite subjects to create in both mediums are places I have been (ex: Hawaii & Texas, recently) or want to go. My Paris embroidery piece is an example of a daydream I had that turned into a piece. I’ve never been to Paris, but I’m sure I’ll find my way there some day. I am also working on a painting of a downtown Tokyo at night with its many bright colors – another city I would love to see some day!

Starting out in art came naturally to me. I think it’s partially in the family blood (many creatives in my family), and also just an accumulation of always being interested in some type of art throughout my life, whether I was sketching and doodling in high school, or sewing basic quilts and pillows in junior high, creativity has always appealed to me, though the mediums have changed over time.

Lessons I have learned along the way include slowing down, doing one project at a time and taking a step away when you are becoming too critical of yourself. I do the opposite of all 3 things a little too often, and I am constantly working on being aware of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Denver Art Museum and consider that a must. I’m an obsessed music fan, so I’d definitely hit some record stores (Wax Tracks is incredible, could spend hours there) and also the Hard Rock Cafe at Pavilions – they have some great memorabilia in there if you enjoy that type of thing.
Denver is also a great sports town, so a trip to either Mile High or Coors Field would be in order, season-depending.

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 definitely should credit my dearly departed grandmother, Alberta, who was also a painter/embroiderer. Sometimes I think I feel her around me when I create.

I am also blessed to have family around me who fully supported my recent jump into art full-time. Having people truly believe in you is the greatest feeling and keeps you going.

Website: candacebryantart.etsy.com

Instagram: @candacebryantart

Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/1IoTIAB

Image Credits
Candace Bryant