Artist of the Week: Brandi Milne

There are many ways to convey a message, and while some chose to scream and utilize harsh or alarming images, California's Brandi Milne choses to "sweet" talk and charm. Drawing on the images of her youth, and a bit of fantasy, she is able to convey all the basic messages of life. Nostalgic images from Humpty Dumpty to ice cream cones to fairies on beds of candy dance and delight while explaining and relating love, loss, pain, heartbreak, and more.

Brandi's work is celebrated and supported in fine art galleries across the US,
has been featured in both written and online publications such as Hi Fructose Magazine, Babyboss Magazine and Juxtapos.com. She published her first book So Good For Little Bunnies in summer 2008 with Baby Tattoo Books and is currently working on clothing designs, collaborating with a high-profile rock star couple and plotting her next solo show in 2010.

Recently, Brandi was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Orange Alert (OA): There are many images in this world that people find appealing, but what is about sweets that inspires you so much?
Brandi Milne (BM): I've always been a fiend for sugar and sweets. When I was little, I wished we could just have ice cream and candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so naturally, it's come out in my work! I love the colors, the innocence and nostalgia it can bring to an otherwise serious subject.

OA: Several of your pieces are painting onto the covers of tattered antique books. What does the canvas add to the piece?
BM: Yes, I did a series of works on antique books for my last show Run Rabbit Run in April, I felt the books themselves brought a sense of an unknown past to the pieces. I love the thought of old books having been handled, kept, traveled, read, treasured or even ignored by someone before me. By painting on the covers, I felt it gave them a new life to pass on and be {hopefully} treasured for a few more years.

OA: So Good For Little Bunnies seems like an incredibly rewarding project. What was it like to work on that book, and do you feel like it is something you will do again in the future?
BM: It was rewarding, I loved working on it, but it takes a lot outta you - more so than any one painting I've worked on thus far. It took about a year to write and illustrate the entire thing, keeping focused and inspired can be a challenge for one project - then comes editing, possible changes and waiting. It was a great challenge, one I will definately take on again and again!

OA: I love the little humpty dumpty plush dolls. Why humpty? Were there any copyright issue that you had to consider?
BM: Everyone one loves Humpty Dumpty! The story is so quick and simple, I've always had a few questions... I mean he's just sitting on the wall, why? And how did he get up there? So he just smiles and falls down? What? I've seen him interpreted in so many ways and I just wanted to put my own spin on it. So in my story, he can go home with you, you can carry him around and talk to him, and if he falls, he's pretty soft so he won't break. Plus, he's wearing little knee socks and a daiper to boot! {I love Humpty}

OA: You have formed a lot of quality friendship and connections through your site, blog, and through the internet in general. How important is that network and support in general to you?
BM: Gosh, everythings through the internet now, huh? And it's true, I have made most of my contacts and connections without even meeting someone in person. It's extremely important to me to be able to reach out to almost anyone. Without it, my world and career would be a lot different!

OA: What's next for Brandi Milne?
BM: I have a few projects in the works right now, both professional and personal. I'm going to be releasing a fun, affordable Halloween print very soon, a few group shows at the end of the year (Vivisect Playset @ Gallery 1988 & Multiplane Show @ Corey Helford), then it's onto my next solo show in '10 at Corey Helford Gallery! And who knows, maybe I'll be working on another book! Look for events and news at my website and blog: www.brandimilne.com

Bonus Questions:
OA: If you could sit down to coffee with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be?
BM: I would choose my mom. I miss her every day.

OA: What type of music do you enjoy and who are a few of your favorites?
BM: I love the music question - I love classic rock best. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Elton John. It plays a large part in my search for inspiration most days. It makes you FEEL like nothing else can!

For more information on Brandi Milne please visit her website.