Meet BrassTuna | Visual Artist

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

Hi BrassTuna, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by my childhood. My upbringing has been the center focus for everything I do creatively. When I was younger, I felt so scared to express myself. It’s strange because I never felt like I was in an unsafe environment, instead I felt that the people around me wouldn’t understand what I wanted. That created fear of being different. For a long time I felt so stuck. Now as I’ve grown up/continue to grow up, I’ve decided that I want to tell the stories my younger self once wished he could. I feel children have so much to teach us. It’s that “limitless” attitude that we all have when we are children that I want to recreate and share with my audience. I love to see other artists express themselves through the same lens, because everyone experiences childhood so differently. Which leads to so many different perspectives, patterns, colors, and stories.

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 art and I continue to grow more and more by the day. I’ve taken a large gap of time away from posting and showcasing my work in order to further explore that growth. One thing that I’d want people to know about me and BrassTuna as a whole is that we will continue to grow. No matter what obstacles are in the way, professionally or personally, growth always leads. It’s funny because art is so freeing and very rewarding, but it can also be very stressful and exhausting. I’m a big advocate for taking breaks away from your art. Being able to take those breaks has led to me being able to come back refreshed and ready to create something I’m truly proud of. In 2022, I took pride in knowing I did well over 40 photoshoots. In 2023, I have now taken my time, and focused more so on the content and the stories I want to share with my audience. What sets BrassTuna apart from others is that BrassTuna is not trying to sell anything. I want to be vulnerable with my art, showcasing my real emotions and feelings. That is the true spirit of art.

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?
One of my favorite restaurants in Phoenix would definitely have to be Blue Fin. I’m a huge fan of Japanese food and Blue Fin is always a great spot to just hang out and watch the cars pass by. Definitely reminds me of high school and all the memories of my friends and I being just a little too loud in there after class. Another spot I love to take my friends is actually just down the street from Blue Fin! FOUND:RE Contemporary Gallery is definitely a must-visit spot in downtown Phoenix! A hotel/Art Gallery, a match made in heaven. I love being able to just walk around and view all the work on the walls. P.s. I might’ve had a few pieces displayed here! Lastly, we are definitely sticking around downtown on this trip, but ending the night at Valley Bar is a BrassTuna must. I’m not a very “night out” type of person, but Valley Bar remains one of the only bars I will willingly go to haha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many encouraging people who have helped me along my artistic journey and to them I give endless thanks. Though, my parents do deserve a bit of credit as to my “success.” I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere near where I’d like to be, but I most definitely wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for them. They continuously support all of my artistic endeavors and any projects I set out on. It’s true that if they didn’t support me, the way in which they do, I wouldn’t even be able to be the artist I am today. I plan to continue my growth as an artist no matter what, but to know I’ll always have their support is something that gives me hope that one day I’ll reach the heights I believe I will. I also have to give a huge thanks to every model, every friend, and every artist I’ve worked with to make my projects come to life. I’m only one part of the puzzle, and without them I wouldn’t be able to make the art I do.

Website: brasstuna.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @brasstuna

Image Credits
“Dueling Forces in You” – BrassTuna & Grace Joyner