Brazen Edwards is a Vancouver abstract artist creating paintings that are “bold, tactile and intuitive”. Scroll down to learn more about Brazen Edwards.
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Brazen Edwards Abstract Artist
How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is contemporary and intuitive, often driven by emotion and layered with meaning. I love working with bold colours and textured surfaces that invite touch and spark curiosity. My process is very organic—I build up layers of paint and then partially reveal what’s underneath, allowing the history of the piece to show through. It’s a bit like memory: hazy, imperfect, but deeply personal. There’s a strong emphasis on atmosphere and mood in my work, and I often explore the tension between logic and emotion through composition and colour choices. While my pieces are abstract, they tend to evoke a sense of narrative, inviting viewers to interpret them through their own experiences.
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
My main inspiration comes from personal experiences, memory, and the emotional landscape that comes with navigating life. I’m especially drawn to how we process and reflect on moments—both significant and subtle. I find a lot of inspiration in the textures and patterns found in nature, and I love creating an atmosphere that pulls the viewer in. I’m fascinated by how colours and layers can convey emotion without needing to be literal. Much of my art is about capturing a feeling or a moment in time, like a visual journal entry—whether it’s about finding new love or a physical place I travelled. It’s my way of exploring human connection and the shared experiences that shape us.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
The biggest goal I try to achieve with my art is to evoke a feeling—something that resonates on an emotional level and invites reflection. I want people to pause, connect, and see something of themselves in the work. Whether it’s a sense of calm, curiosity, or nostalgia, I believe art should stir something within us. Ultimately, my goal is to create meaningful work that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
I enjoy the freedom that abstract art gives me to express emotion without limitations. I love that there’s no single way to interpret a piece as each viewer brings their own perspective. That openness creates a beautiful, ongoing dialogue between the artwork and the audience. Abstract art allows me to trust my intuition, explore texture and colour, and focus on emotion rather than form. It’s a meditative process that feels both liberating and endlessly inspiring.
Why abstract art and not other styles? Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
I actually began my artistic journey working in watercolours, focusing on detailed wildlife and landscape paintings. I was drawn to the beauty of the natural world and the challenge of capturing it realistically. Over time, though, I felt a pull toward something more expressive and less literal. Abstract art gave me the freedom to explore emotion, movement, and atmosphere in a way that realism couldn’t. It allowed me to step away from representation and instead focus on what a moment felt like rather than what it looked like. While I still appreciate and draw inspiration from the natural world, abstract work gives me the space to push boundaries, trust my intuition, and let the process guide me.
What’s one thing people might not know about you and/or your art journey so far?
I took a break from painting for several years to focus on raising a set of identical twins and pursuing a career in criminology. It wasn’t until later in life, after all those years of experience, that I felt a deep pull to return to my art. Coming back to painting allowed me to reconnect with a part of myself I had set aside, and it’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey. While my path has been unconventional, art has been a transformative experience, enabling me to rediscover who I am through creativity.
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
I’ve always been drawn to art, even as a young girl, and attended a high school specifically for art but later on my mother’s concern about how I would support myself as an artist led me to study Criminology at University. Even though I pursued a different career, I always felt the pull to return to my true calling. So coming back to painting has been a transformative experience, reconnecting me with a part of myself I had neglected for many years.
In your opinion, what’s the most important characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
I believe discipline is the most important characteristic for a successful career as an artist. While talent and creativity are vital, it’s discipline that allows an artist to continually refine their craft, meet deadlines, and push through challenging moments. It means dedicating time to create, even when inspiration feels distant, and committing to growth, learning, and improving every day. It’s crucial to show up, put in the work, and trust the process.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
My advice would be to take the time to find your visual voice. Abstract art is all about personal expression, and it’s important to explore different techniques, styles, and materials until you discover what truly resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and step outside your comfort zone. Trust your instincts and let your emotions guide your work. The more you embrace your unique perspective, the stronger and more authentic your art will become.
Do you have any favourite books that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
Yes, two books that have really resonated with me and contributed to my journey as an artist are Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland, and Art/Work by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber.
Art and Fear was particularly powerful in helping me navigate the internal struggles and self-doubt that come with creating art. It reminded me that fear and uncertainty are part of the process and shouldn’t hold me back.
Art/Work offered practical advice on managing the business side of being an artist, helping me to balance creativity with professionalism. Both books have provided valuable insight and encouragement throughout my artistic journey.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
Selling my first painting was one of the most fulfilling moments but it wasn’t the transaction it was the recognition that someone connected with my work enough to bring it into their life, and hang it in their home. That experience gave me a sense of validation and reaffirmed that I was on the right path. It was a powerful moment of crossing over from creating for myself to sharing my art with the world. It marked the beginning of a new chapter and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion.
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to evolve as an artist, with a deeper exploration of new techniques and themes. I hope to have expanded my body of work, with more exhibitions, public collections and broaden my audience. I still see myself continuing to offer workshops and engaging with the community, helping others to embrace their own creativity. Ultimately, I want to be at a point where I’m able to balance both the creative and business aspects of my art career while staying true to my artistic vision.
What do you love most about abstract art?
What I love most about abstract art is its ability to transcend traditional boundaries. It doesn’t rely on realism or recognizable imagery, which allows for a broader range of interpretation. Each person brings their own perspective to the piece, making the experience of viewing it uniquely personal. The focus is on feeling, movement, and energy rather than representation, which opens up endless possibilities for expression.
Do you have any favourite quotes?
“Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes.” – Arshile Gorky
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton
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