Meet Rilie Tané Zumbrennen | Pyrography and Mural Artist

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

Hi Rilie, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is the only way to grow in a career, or in life. As a young artist starting out, I took many risks trying to find my style in the art world. I applied to numerous contests and murals. In the beginning, not being chosen really got to me. I never gave up applying though. That is the most important that I have learned, is that success takes many risks; and that failing is necessary to appreciate success. It was not until last year that I was accepted into my first big show in Big Sky, Montana. This ignited my fire and showed me that I could be a successful artist. This pushed me to continue taking risks which has opened so many doors in the last two years.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a child, my mom always did art projects with me. I loved art class and it quickly became something I did all of the time. I remember waking up earlier than anyone in my family just to draw something for them before they woke up. I took many risks trying to find my style in the art world. I started out with only pencil shading. Then acrylic paints soon became my favorite media. In high school, I took all of the art classes available. I even tried jewelry making and graphic design. I loved all of it. I was always drawn to acrylic paints and just pencil the most though. In 2012, I graduated from Skyview High School in Billings, Montana. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I knew I would enjoy cosmetology. I tried that, but did not finish school. My husband and I moved to his hometown in Colorado where we worked at Sunlight Ski Resort. Moving to Colorado really sparked my creativity. It was the first time I experienced having so many ideas for paintings. It was truly life changing. All of the beautiful scenery and experiences we had started my painting journey. When I found out I was pregnant with our daughter, we decided to move back to Montana. I continued painting in my free time and worked a full time administrative position. I began to show my artwork in Billings Art Walks and on Facebook. I also started to do craft shows in Fort Benton and Big Sky I was mostly a landscape painter. In 2015, at one of my art shows, I met a pyrography artist. My life forever changed. I took the risk of investing in a wood burner, not knowing anything about it. It worked a lot like a pencil and I was hooked. I continued working with paints as well, and even put them into some of my wood burning pieces. In the beginning, I used the torch a lot to create shading. I still do, but not quite as much. Over the years, I have found that using my soldering tool makes the most realistic shading. I started wood burning random subjects. My first wood burning was a map of the world, which was far from accurate! It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I began using a Dremel tool to create highlights and depth in my pieces. My husband builds houses and has educated me on a lot on wood types. He makes my custom frames as well. If it wasn’t for him, I would not have began experiments with power tools for my pieces. I often use a scroll saw to cut my pieces in to various shapes. I applied for many contests for my wood burning. Being from Montana and spending time in Colorado, I have always had a love for the mountains and wild life. My family had a cabin in Red Loge growing up and many of my ideas for mountain scenery came from the wall decor my grandma had in the cabin. My family loves to go camping and hiking so I am continually inspired by our experiences. I picture my art in homes that love the outdoors. Alongside wood burning, I took a couple small mural jobs. My first big mural job was to paint 7 indoor murals at Guadalajara Restaurant in Billings. I realized that I loved painting on a large scale. I continued to do wood burning and murals. I also painted a couple bedroom murals and one at a car shop. In 2019, I began applying to mural projects in Billings. Even though I was never chosen, I still kept trying. In September 2021, I applied for a Call for Art for the Grand Building in downtown Billings. This was a huge 4,000 square foot wall. I did not know anything about a big project like this. I did not know who to contact for help, but began by asking some art galleries downtown if they know of mural artists that could help me with scaling art to that size, how to calculate supplies, and all of those other important parts. When I did not hear back about this project, I imagined I did not get chosen. Although I was hoping for the job, I did not let it discourage me. Then, I remember, we were driving to Casper, Wyoming for Thanksgiving, and Matt, the owner of The Grand Building called to tell me they chose my proposal. I couldn’t believe it, it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. Then, I realized I had a lot to do. I called so many professionals from Sherwin Williams to the Underground Culture Crew (Muralist in Billings). I did not even know how much paint this would take or how long. Painting this mural felt like I was living in a dream every day. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity because of many things, especially because of the exposure it gave my art. I have several big outdoor murals planned for next summer across the state of Montana now. I also have several indoor murals between then that will keep me busy. I also continue to wood burn my fine art pieces, which will be shown in various shows and galleries. Recently, I experimented burning on a fedora. This has also been a major success for my business. I have been busy burning different designs on wool, felt, and polyester hats and sending them all over the US. My most popular design is my mountain range that wraps around the crown. It is unbelievable to me where my business is now. I never could have imagined I would have all of these exciting opportunities. As I grow my business, I am also an art teacher at Elysian school I teach Kindergarten through eighth grade. I hope that I have taught shown my students to never give up going towards their goals, even when things get hard, you always have to keep trying!

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 would start the trip by showing my friend Billings by looking off the Rims. Since you can see the entire city, I would explain all of the various landmarks. Then I would take them on a bike ride on the trails. Depending on the time of year, I would take them floating on the Yellowstone River because that is one my favorite things to do. We would enjoy dinner and drinks and Jakes Downtown because I love their fish tacos. Then I would take them outside to show them my Buffalo Mural on the north wall of the restaurant. Then, I would take them on a 45 minute drive to Red Lodge, Montana to show them my favorite place in the world. We would explore the beautiful little town and maybe go golfing. Then we would escape to the mountains! We would go hiking, fly fishing, and camping in the Beartooths. We would spend the rest of our trip there because there is so much to see and the scenery is truly amazing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up, my mom was always doing art with me. My parents, Kobey and Joey, always encouraged my art skills and were extremely supportive. When I graduated high school in 2012, I began doing small commission pieces for people, but it was not often. It was that year that I met my husband, Kyle, his love for my art is what really made me feel good and excited about how people can connect with my pieces. When I finish a piece, I am always so excited to show him and hear what he has to say. Our daughter, Aislyn, is also one of the biggest supporters in my life. She is always excited to create art with me and encourages me every day to continue to live my dream. I would also like to give a shoutout to the family and friends that have encouraged me since day one with their kind words and allowing me to make art for them. I would also like to give a huge shoutout to Matt Duray and Bolin family for choosing me to paint The Buffalo Mural in downtown Billings. They are the reason that my art career is where it is today. My uncle Jason has been one of my biggest supporters and it is because of his continued advice that my art is where it is today.

Website: https://rilie-tane-art.square.site/

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Image Credits
Meagan Boschert