Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Schall. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Brittany Schall, the artist behind La Adorna is known for her colorful palettes and creative use of materials. Using neon vinyls, reflective fabrics and unique silhouettes, she references historical styles and combines them with contemporary designs. Originally from Colorado, she relocated after receiving a BFA at CSU to NYC to purse her photorealistic painting career. After 7 years in the Manhattan, she moved to New Orleans to recover from a neck injury. While recuperating, she was inspired by the costume culture and began making her own pieces. Eventually, she learned to sew and began to experiment with various fabrics and materials. Since then, her costumes and creative makeup have been featured in various publications, music videos, interactive museums and television shows. Schall currently splits her time between Denver and New Orleans
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to fashion design has not been the smoothest, it might be somewhat compared to trying to ride a unicycle up Pikes Peak. However, despite the challenges, the payoff of being able to create works that push technical and creative boundaries while simultaneously developing deep emotional fortitude have proven to be of incalculable value.
The birth of La Adorna actually came after a substantial neck injury that left me in chronic pain and numb on the entire right side of my body. Being right-handed, this was deeply problematic as I was unable to draw or paint due to limited mobility. Out of necessity I started creating headpieces from repurposed materials to sell at local markets. Eventually as I gained more movement in my body, I was able to regain full use of my right arm and hand. I was then capable to start sewing, which also help build my dexterity and movement in my body. Learning a new skill set also helped brush away the cobwebs of my creativity and breathed life back into my passion for art and life.
Since making a full recovery, the journey has not been without other pitfalls. I deal with a lot of copyright infringement both in my fine art career as well as in my creative costuming. Specifically with La Adorna, other business and individuals take images directly from my website and social media and claim the works as well as the photos are their own. Along with this, like the rest of the world, I have had many setbacks and projects fall through due to the global pandemic. Mardi Gras along the rest of the magical seasons that dot the New Orleans calendar is when and where my creative costuming thrives. However, with ongoing variant surges and supply shortages, much of what I create feels to be in a state of suspended animation. I am continuing to work and produce pieces to feed my own personal artistic passions, however, I am unsure where my creations will land, if ever. However, I do see this moment as an opportunity to yet again push boundaries and explore possibilities within the digital realm as well as performance aspects in venues that adhere to covid guidelines.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time visual artist, I specifically specialize in photorealistic oil paintings, drawings, wearable art, creative makeup, photography and immersive events.
When it comes to my fine art, I am best known for what are called my “Hair Portraits” as well as my “Hand Series”. In regards to my Hair Portraits, I am fascinated by the subtle nuances of hair and how it communicates who we are—or maybe more importantly, who we attempt to be, this series explores identity. By combining the use of hyper detailed drawing and devoid spaces, viewers are given intense visual information without full context. The intention is for the viewer to project their own ideas into the negative space and fill in the blanks without being “spoon fed” ideas.
My “Glove Series”, explores the boundaries of communication through abstracted realism. I invite people to truly take a “closer look” by camouflaging the gloves by using fabric with repetitive patterns. Through American Sign Language and hand gestures, I use the gloves to convey messages, feelings and ideas to viewers.
These messages center around my frustrations as a female fine artist in modern times. From copyright issues, to unequal pay, to the difficulties of navigating social media culture, these works serve as representation of my inner thoughts that I do not have the courage to speak aloud.
La Adorna uses the elements of color, form, and texture, to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. Individually handcrafted, each work is meticulously constructed from unique textiles to form extraordinary garments. I primarily known for utilizing unique fabrics such as vinyl and other unusual man-made textiles and adornments to create avant-garde looks. These pieces are meant to straddle the line between fashion and sculpture and are showcased in mainly in immersive experiences.
As an artist I can’t really say I’m truly satisfy with what I make, and if I am, the feeling is very fleeting. However, I will say I am very proud that despite various setbacks, I have the determination to continue of with my art career and strive to hone all my crafts. It has been less than easy, but it has never crossed my mind to quit, the older I get, the more rare this mentality seems to exist among individuals within my age group.
In regards to what sets me apart, wearing such an array of “artistic hats” and waffling between the worlds or 2d, 3d, and performance art feels to set me apart from others within my creative field.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Without a doubt with the effects of climate change and supply chain shortages I believe my industry will feel deep effects. I think the shift to more sustainable and upcycling materials will no longer be a choice but a must. I think as we move away from fast fashion and disposable cheap trend art, there will be a deep resurgence of craftsmanship and timeless works.
Pricing:
- Limited edition fine art prints $150 – $300
- Surrealist Dinner party tickets $25- $100
- La Adornafied photoshoot $300- $2k
- La Adorna Prints $45 – $100
- La Adorna Wearable Art Pieces $150 – $2k
Contact Info:
- Email: brittany@brittanyschall.com
- Website: brittanyschall.com / laadorna.com
- Instagram: @laadorna / @brittanyschall
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/dDotN4fWuMg
Image Credits
Caitlyn Ridenour
Brittany Schall
