Brandon Berkel’s education in the arts started early. His father is a master sheet metal worker and drummer. His mother home-schooled him with an art-based curriculum. Instead of going to college, Brandon spent his college years living in a small town and writing a novel, and when that was published wrote a second one. The process taught him how to give life to his imagination through pen and paper.
In fact, when he moved to Telluride a few years ago, he spent his first months bent over scratching ink into paper until realized he would rather be looking up instead of looking down all day. He tucked the story away and started hiking. A flatlander from St. Louis Missouri, the epic San Juan Mountains felt surreal, giving him the sense he was living in a movie. It was this sensation that inspired Brandon’s next creative endeavor; creating imaginative landscapes in collage, which is a growing body of work that is still underway.
You can find Brandon, and his collage works, at There Bar. You can also find his work on a pair of Wagner Custom skis, on the new Wilkinson Public Library card, and on postcards. In the summer, you can find Brandon stationed at his “Tell aI Write Telegrams” booth at the Farmer’s Market, or collaborating with artists and helping with arts events around town.
Brandon has a studio at Voodoo Studios, a program of Telluride Arts.
We asked Brandon a few questions:
3 words to describe your work:
Mixed Media, Collage, Surreal
Do you collect anything?
I collect old typewriters & different illustrations of JM Berries Peter Pan. I've been collecting family and friends’ art over the years. My prize piece is a 1950s Tom Cassidy abstract painting.
Why Telluride?
Telluride has taken me under its wing since day one. I came here in search of new inspiration & creativity. The town, place & community has provided more support than I could ever have imagined. Telluride is a dream; a dream I hope to stay awake in.
Favorite Adventure?
My favorite adventure is hiking high in the mountains looking for Alpine Lakes. I like those kinds of hikes because they take up most of your day. You're only worries are getting from A to B & not getting any injuries. It's you & your imagination high in the sky surrounded by nature’s beauty.
What are you looking forward to in the new year?
My first project of 2020 will be doing a big collaboration with Mary Kenez Telluride Photographer; famously known for her piece "Gondogola". I am also starting work with Ah Haa as a new teacher for their SKART program. Last but not least, getting ready for my gallery show at Telluride Art Districts HQ in March! Looking forward to the many new projects 2020 will bring.