Artist Statement

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I do not have one particular genre. I travel a lot so I am constantly inspired by what I see.  Once my eyes are set on a particular sight, I instantly want to know the story behind its creation or purpose.  This usually marks the beginning of a painting where I want to immerse myself in better understanding that image.

 

I somehow unintentionally created a portfolio of paintings that emulates a photo album of the places I visited and the sights I have seen.  As my portfolio expanded, my family, friends and work colleagues started to express an interest in my art.  This was when the storytelling began. From the stories, I noticed a pattern I had not plotted but am now pleased with.

 

My work tends to focus on images of objects or animals I want to preserve.  As a teacher, I have taught many lessons about sustainability and the impacts people have on the environment.  As population increases, pollution, erosion, and other environmental and social impacts occur.  Nevertheless, I always try to illustrate positive images - recapturing devotion, expression, or beauty. Perhaps my stories and lessons can bring forth awareness.

 

Some of my subjects involve architecture, animals or nature. Recently, I have discovered a large variety of birds that are endangered due to tourism development.  By observing these birds, and the few numbers there are, I have taken a great interest in painting pictures of them.  I feel more connected to these animals when I can study their every feather or their magnificent ability to fly. Regardless, I have always been passionate about wildlife and the fragile Eco-system. 

 

My portfolio was never intentional.  I always painted for myself because my heart aches for people to take better care of the treasures we have on this planet. I cannot physically be there to defend all the heritage sites and protect the critically endangered animals. As a result, I wanted to paint a “snapshot” of how I experienced these places or animals during my own lifetime.  My explanations for individual art pieces almost always include a story of a particular society, culture, or species.  It involves the way I related to that circumstance and how I wish for it to be defended and preserved.  It is my intention to recreate conceptions so they are more visible in our lives.

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Carrie Ann Bruehlmann

Artist, Educator and Conservationist

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