Life & Work with Mark Brasuell

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mark Brasuell.

Hi Mark, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, my story started in, of all places, a small town called Roscoe in West Texas.

My mother was always on the lookout for activities to keep my brother and me engaged, so she signed us up for art lessons. My brother was nonplussed, but it ignited a spark in me. From that moment on, I was hooked on creating art and haven’t stopped since.

I vividly remember participating in an academic competition, where my category was picture memory. I had to memorize 300 different artworks and artists. That was the first time I encountered abstraction, which set my mind on fire. The sheer freedom to create something entirely new, to follow my interests instead of society’s, was exhilarating.

Art became my refuge as I navigated the challenges of being bullied in school. It was my sanctuary, my way to feel safe and cope with that difficult period. I honed my skills in oil painting and, incredibly, taught my first class as a “teacher” at just 15. From that point on, my mission was clear: not only to teach art but to create it.

Joining the cooperative art scene in Denver was a game-changer. I entered my first open entry called “Outsiders,” and at that moment, I knew I wanted to be an artist—not just a good artist, but a great one. The thrill of that realization was electrifying.

When you’re in your twenties, ego can drive you, and I was no exception. I was determined to leave a mark on the art world and to be remembered for something extraordinary. Fast forward to today, and I am a well-respected artist, educator, and passionate advocate for newcomers. Without fresh voices and new perspectives, our art would fade away.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The cliché that artists are troubled holds a ring of truth for me. Surviving an abusive school system with bad teachers and violent bullies feels like a miracle. Emerging during the AIDS epidemic was another immense challenge; losing so many of my friends and colleagues while enduring the constant hum of homophobia was a relentless struggle. Despite this, it forged a resilient and powerful spirit within me, and I helped change things for the better.

In 2015, I almost died. According to my husband, I did it a couple of times. I received a liver transplant from my neighbor, my daughter’s mother, and it saved my life. Nine years later, I am thriving and trying to live a meaningful life. Without the help of my friends, my doctors, and the most loving husband in the world, I wouldn’t be here today. Ironically, I was actually prepared to die, and I wasn’t scared at all if it didn’t happen. Getting through that jump, though, has proven that the mind and spirit are more powerful than anyone can imagine.

Today, I am no longer afraid—whether it is of violence, health issues, or making the best of a bad situation. Maybe it’s age, but fear no longer dictates my actions, including in my art. Some people get so comfortable in their own skin that they never change, but I am not that person. It’s the hardships and my environment that have inspired me, along with beauty and community.

Despite all my challenges, my artwork is not dark. Far from it, it’s energetic and forceful, with vibrant punches of color to emphasize the concepts I aim to convey. Through all the adversity, I’ve found my voice and my calling, transforming pain and resilience into powerful, evocative art.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My current body of work is called “Traumwelt,” German for Dreamworld. I have been immersing myself in the works of Daniel Quinn and “Simulacra” by the philosopher Jean Baudrillard. These are bold examinations of the world we live in and what we have done. It is my belief that we not only use our current selves as creative inputs but also tap into the subliminal or the unknown.

I’ve been fascinated by the idea that everything that has happened to us is still stored in our brains, even if we don’t have access to it in a traditional way. While this notion remains speculative, it is nonetheless intriguing. By delving into the subconscious and contemplating the unconscious, I have developed a method to express abstract ideas in a more fluid and less referential manner.

Using the subliminal mind, I showcase it through a series of drawings and paintings that explore the dark, the unknown, and the mysterious. Subliminal art is a captivating genre that operates on the fringes of conscious perception, inviting viewers to delve beyond the surface and explore hidden meanings or emotions embedded within the artwork.

Change as a core philosophy is really what my work is about. It’s ever-evolving and expanding as I strive to understand more deeply. Having a career in the arts is a profound journey that delves deep into the essence of human existence. It’s true that a vast majority of artists remain undiscovered, but does that diminish the significance of their work? When fame and recognition are removed from the equation, what remains? Are artists merely self-serving or vain, or is there a deeper purpose to their creations?

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Art, at its core, is a means of connecting with one’s soul. It’s a journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Where do we fit in this vast world? For many artists, myself included, our artistic endeavors serve as a journal—a way to leave our mark, to say, “I was here, and this happened.” This act of leaving behind a piece of ourselves is significant. Through our art and life experiences, we hope to inspire, provoke thought, or offer solace to others.

However, being an artist is not without its challenges. The ongoing quest to have people understand both you and your art can be daunting. But despite the uncertainty, artists continue to put themselves out there, striving for growth and evolution. For me, art is about engagement—with life, with the world, and with others. When approached with contemplation and compassion, art becomes a raw and vulnerable expression of oneself. It’s terrifying to lay oneself bare in this manner, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

One aspect of being an artist that often goes untaught in higher education is professional practice. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about navigating the complex world of galleries, résumés, and self-promotion. I was fortunate to have one teacher who imparted invaluable lessons in this regard, but not everyone is so lucky. Incorporating professional practices into my courses has become essential. It’s about equipping aspiring artists with the tools they need to thrive in the industry.

Ultimately, art is about personal expression—about conveying one’s unique experiences and perspectives. Fear, however, often stands in the way of creativity. Fear of failure and not being good enough is a formidable barrier that many struggle to overcome. However, as creative individuals, our greatest challenge is to push past these fears and let our ideas flow freely and without inhibition.

And once our artwork is out in the world, it takes on a life of its own. It becomes a source of inspiration and contemplation for others—a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.markbrasuell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasuell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.brasuell.5/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MarkBrasuellArt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR2VCpu-xQ8kZ0lNrCadcwg @MarkBrasuellArtist

Image Credits
Mark Brasuell