Meet Piper Bridwell: Artist

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

Hi Piper, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
The world might define success by fame, money or status, but to me success is something totally different. I see it as the amount of joy that one gains in life. Typically the more joy one has, the likelihood of them considering themselves as being successful goes up dramatically.  Money can’t buy happiness. It can make certain areas of life easier, but it doesn’t equate to joy. Success is waking up with a heart full of gratitude every day. Having a career in the creative field has taught me that success has nothing to do with the amount of paintings I sell, or how many “Likes” I get on social media. It has everything to do with the feeling I get when opening up that oil paint and creating whatever I want.  Success to me, is remembering each time I step foot into my beautiful studio gallery, that I am undeserving of such a wonderful life. It’s recognizing the gratitude I have, acting upon it and having a heart that is thankful for each step of the journey.   Putting your art and heart “out there” can be excruciating at times when judgmental comments may come to break me down. These distractions are quickly forgotten though as I remind myself that l am doing exactly what God has created me to do.  I am so thankful for every person that has purchased or commissioned my work over the years.  We all have a gift, whether it is singing, creating, writing, caring for others,  coaching, ect. when we pour our hearts into it, we become successful.  There is no doubt that when you put your all into something you can’t imagine life without, you will feel joy and know you are succeeding.  Money will run out, fame won’t last forever, but joy is irreplaceable. I believe the most successful people are those that lead lives with hearts full of gratitude, because then their own joy will be realized.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an abstract oil painter in Oklahoma City. My work consists of bold colors and thick textures. As a child, I was fascinated by texture on canvas, so the exaggeration relates on my canvas. As a self taught artist, the journey was not always easy. Putting your work out there when you are beginning and confidence is little was frightening. As pieces began to sell, and commission orders started lining up, my confidence began to flourish. By continuing to share my work online, or join exhibitions, I was exited to hear feedback weather it was positive or negative. I craved knowing what others saw in my work. I accepted criticism as a way to push myself to be more unique. Finding your personal style takes time and a lot of wasted canvas. Once I finally felt peace about my unique style, I saw a change in my business. I opened my own gallery and now have representation in galleries in the U.S. and Europe. My work is inspired by my deep faith. I pray over each and every painting. You will often find hidden words and every piece has 3 crosses to be found. There is something very personal about the process and I pray my collectors feel that sweet connection to my work.

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?
I live in Oklahoma City, a short 3 hour drive to DFW. When I visit Dallas, Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano is a must stop! Also I can’t leave with out a trip to North Park Mall. My favorite places to stay are The Joule, Hotel ZaZa and The Stoneleigh. When friends come to visit me in OKC, The Bradford House is always on the list. A glass of wine and dinner at the Bradford leave you feeling like you are in Europe. Obviously, the Paseo arts district is a place to take guests, as well as OKC’s new Wheeler district downtown!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out the women creatives that have inspired me along the way! Nikki Cade, Dionne Woods of The Turquoise Iris, and most importantly, Janie Tigert! These women have completely different style of art from each other, and myself. Their approaches to their businesses, the way they carry themselves and the support they have shown me over the years, is something I will be forever grateful for.

Website: www.piperbstudio.com
Instagram: @piperbstudio
Facebook: facebook.com/piperbstudio

Image Credits
Brett Heidebrecht