I was so looking forward to my call with the winner of “Project Accessory”, Brian Burkhardt. I had the opportunity to ask a few questions and he was a complete joy to speak with. He is a true artist and is one of those people that you want to be around because they are so talented and inspiring. Watch his audition video and you will get a sense of what I mean.
A little background on Brian…
One of 9 children, Brian was born in Long Island, NY to a warm and loving Italian family. He joked that he had to warn his friends before coming over that his mom would probably hug and kiss them. =) He graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston 7 years ago and is currently living in Miami, FL with is wife and business partner, Tricia Brookbank and their 8-month old son, Oliver. He loves Miami as it is a way of life for him. Multi-cultural, friendly people and great weather. Brian and Tricia’s company is called Trian (Tri)sha Br(ian). They are both accomplished fine artists and use their skill to create unique, lightweight and one-of-a-kind jewelry (more like art) from synthetic or reclaimed materials.
His work has been featured in publications such as Nylon, Time Out New York, Miami Modern Luxury and Cravings Magazine. His artwork has been exhibited at Miller Block Gallery (Boston), Judi Rotenberg Gallery (Boston), Bernice Steinbaum Gallery (Miami), Gallery Diet (Miami), Freight and Volume (New York), Kathleen Cullen Fine Arts (New York), The Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), among others.
Onto the interview…
L&R: Congratulations! How does it feel to be the winner of the show? What did you take away from being on the show?
It has been amazing for Brian but so happy to be able to finally talk about it! His in-laws had a great big catered party for him to watch the finale. “It is a surreal experience.”
It was obviously an amazing platform and he was honored to be on the show. However, he didn’t go on the show to win but to be the best he could do and stay true to himself. It was important to be able to take risks with his work on the show even though his designs were probably less commercial than the other designers.
L&R: Congrats on being a new dad! I happen to have an 11-month old boy named Noah and feel like having a child changes your perspective on life so much and you see the world so differently. Have you changed as a person or as a businessman since your son?
The addition of his now 8-month old son, Oliver, has made him a better person, more driven, passionate and given him new perspective in everything. He mentioned that it’s the best thing that has happened in his life. Brian credited his wife, Tricia, for being so supportive and pushing him to take risks and he said he has never know a better woman.
L&R: I was impressed by how even when faced with intense pressure and high stakes at the end of the competition, you stayed focused and did not compromise your artistic integrity. Have you always had this self-confidence?
Brian has a fine art background where being critiqued was part of the game. He learned that you have to accept criticism and developed a thick skin from the process. He feels that you have to remember that one person will always hate it, one will love it and one will not care. He said that his goal was to do the best he could with what he was allowed and design what was important to him.
L&R: Being on Project Accessory is a great platform for anyone to promote themselves. What are other ways that you have gotten word out about your work?
Brian got his start with collectors and he built his clientele from there. At one point his designs were featured on the blog, oh joy! They received over 20,000 hits from the feature. Soon after he received an order from Anthropology. He said the internet has really helped to get word out about them in addition to being sold in hundreds of boutiques across the country. Another platform that provided a lot of visibility was when he and his wife participated in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami about 2 years ago. They made 300 handmade pieces for a swimwear designer from Costa Rica which gave them a ton of new exposure.
L&R: To use lingo from the show… At what point in your career did you really solidify your design point of view?
“My design point of view is still not solidified and I hope it never is. It is always moving and changing. When you know what is in front of you, it’s boring.” For example, he had never worked on bags and shoes before the show and now has a new affinity for leather and is using it in his work. His design perspective comes from traveling, meeting new people and his experiences.
I wish Brian and his family the best of success and happiness with their very bright future!
To see more of Brian’s amazing artwork and jewelry designs, click here to visit his website.
♥♥
Arica
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I’m always drawn to art deco anything…
A great alternative to pearls and will brighten your eyes.
Emerald green is so elegant and works on ANYONE, in my opinion.
So sweet…
A bit more fancy but I think they would rock with jeans.
I’m pretty sure I’d feel like a snow princess in these. That’s a good thing.
Love and Rosen 