We had the good fortune of connecting with FrozenFeathers Brittney Sundquist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi FrozenFeathers, why did you pursue a creative career?
It seems more accurate to say that an artistic career pursued me!

Like many young creatives, I bought into the idea that artists can’t make a living and that the path of the artist is one filled with pain, a meager bank account, and instability. Although I wouldn’t say that these things are untrue.. at times I’ve experienced all of these things and none of them. However, the truth about having a successful career as a creative is more closely related to the level of grit that an individual can devote to their craft—their ability to experiment, take failure in stride, to diversify, and their willingness to try to level up with each day.

Despite loving to paint more than anything in this life, I tried really hard not to be a professional artist because the world tells us that we can’t succeed in this space. So I studied the History of Art and worked at the Fine Arts Musuem’s in San Francisco for a few years. Ultimately, I always felt like I was torn between my desire to make art and the “necessity” of having a more traditional job.

It wasn’t until I met and befriended a handful of successful, badass female muralists, many of which reside in Denver (big ups to my girls Konorebi, ReverieInk, Anna Charney, and A.L. Grime), that I realized that I didn’t have to choose… I could be a full–time, 24/7 artist and make a living pursuing my dream!!

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.
My practice is based around exploring the human experience through figurative representations of the human body. Through the use of acrylics and spray paint, I utilize realism and and graphic elements in order to explore the spatial relationships where we exist.. The story’s that I tell center around the female experience and queer narratives in order to normalize the appearance of these voices.

One of the things that I find the most fascinating about art, as a practice, is having the ability to literally view your growth—not just in a technical sense, but as an individual. My work has gone through various phases as I have grown up and it continues to change as I explore new facets of myself. In my early years as a professional painter, my work had strong erotic overtones that centered upon the female form and various elements of kink culture. It was during this time that I was exploring and accepting my queerness, understanding my pansexual identity.

Now my work is more about accepting and exploring the dualities that exist within us—our perceived imperfections, clear juxtapositions in ideology, and the darker aspects that reside in our minds.

The journey of professional artistry, for me, has really been about learning from my mistakes. In a professional sense, there isn’t a clear guidebook that tells you how to be a successful muralist or fine artist. A lot of that comes with experience, but being kind, honest, and open along the journey is a necessity!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an Oakland transplant in the LA area, I’m somewhat new to the scene, but I definitely can show a buddy a good time!

Venice Beach is my favorite area of LA and when my buddies are in town for a longer stay it is an obligation to hit up the Venice Beach Graffiti walls and get a lil production going!! Spraying on the sand, next to the water, with a frosty brew is the best thing!!

After a long day of spraying in the sun, I’d hit up 401K on Lincoln Blvd. for a proper glass of wine and an incredible & affordable meal from my favorite chef in the area. The quaint garden in the back is also an ideal place to have an intimate chat with loved ones.

If you’re in LA you need to peep the killer gallery scene! Some of my personal favorites are Thinkspace, Nicodim, Mirus, David Kordansky. While you’re downtown, also hit up the Montana Shop and get geared up! There’s a bunch of bangin’ murals down there so walk around and pull up on some El Mac and Retna collabs, some Yanoe x Zoueh pieces, Hueman has work down there and my favorite, James Bullough!

To round it out.. I’d be sure to hit a warehouse party or too.. Nothing like a suacy underground to make a trip memorable <3

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My greatest support and inspiration on this journey has been that of the West Coast Bass community… Big ups Wormhole Entertainment!! Big ups Camp Questionmark!! Really the entirety of the bass music community—as a collective of inspiring, hard working, weird, supportive, loves n babes—thank you for being my home throughout the entirety of my adult life.

I found this music community when I had just turned 19 and it is through this festival circle, this intricate web of performers, coordinators, and creatives of all walks that I was able to see how the life of an artist can take many forms.

I am forever grateful for all of the laughs, for the support and encouragement of my work, and for the safe space when I’ve fallen. Music is intrinsic to my experience as an artist and the friendships that I’ve made as a result have and will continue to shape me, along with so many others… Long live 808!!

Website: https://www.frozenfeathers.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/frozenfeathers/

Image Credits
Chelsea Young

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