Meet Riley Marlene Bratzler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Marlene Bratzler.

Riley Marlene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
While in college I had the opportunity to work for VSCO (Visual Supply Company), a creative tech startup as an online curator. Here I was exposed to a whole new world of photography and aesthetics. This was the stepping stone to my creative career. Meanwhile, I was apprenticing at a local print shop, allowing me to hone in on my skill as a printmaker.

That same year, my father died. I didn’t really know how to cope with the loss. I left Colorado and traveled in California for a couple months taking a break from my art and challenging myself in a whole new way. I had never travelled on my own, let alone backpacked.

Today my art has been really focused on experimentation and storytelling. Whether that is art producing on other artist’s projects, modeling, or my own work. I have a badass little press in my studio at S.P.Q.R Art Space where I can just play around and continue to get better. Though my heart is in printmaking, I’ve been taking time to explore new mediums. I have a big crush on oil painting right now.

Has it been a smooth road?
For me, the challenge has always been work/life balance. Whether you’re in a creative job or something just to pay the bills, finding that sweet spot of delegating time in your life for your own work is really important.

Also, saying NO. Creating boundaries for yourself are really important, and knowing your own worth within your work.

Tell us more about your art.
To be clear, I am not a company, I have my print shop and sometimes will do commissions but, I’m just an artist trying to learn as much as I can and really find my voice.

What I love about printmaking, in general, is how accessible it is for the viewer as well as the artist. You can get a lot done with very little. With workshops, it’s one of the best feelings to see students work on a linocut and when they finally get to printing their eyes just light up! And then they’ll make like 50 prints!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think artists are always changing and adapting on some level to change with the industry. With social media, it can be challenging because there is SO much content out there. How do you stand out? For me, I’m not really worried about what is trending. I make the art I want to make for me, and if people like it or are moved by it, then great!

Contact Info:

• Website: rileybratzler.com
• Email: info.rileybratzler@gmail.com
• Instagram: riley_coyote

Image Credit:
Aaron Anderson Visuals

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