Brea Gilchrist is an artist out of Boise, ID.  She recently desgined a graphic for the new W's Roping Skeleton Tee. We thought she might have some interesting things to say about her work, why she likes to draw skeletons, the philosophy of art, and what she would say to encourage the young artists out there. 

Where did your passion for art come from?

-I've been involved in art from a young age; I participated in art camps and the sort early on. I had an incredible art teacher throughout my elementary-middle school years, and she introduced art to me in various styles and themes. Her passion and encouragement in art brought me to continue to pursue degrees in visual arts and art history. 

What is the first thing you remember drawing?

-I remember drawing animals, flowers, and typically outdoor scenes. I think my first "detailed" drawing I made was a dog. 

How would you define art?

-I don't believe there's one true definition of art, but I think art is the communication of emotional creations. Whether it be music, painting, film, etc.. 

What do you think is its goal? Like what is it doing to the viewer?

-Art is created to elicit feeling. It provides the viewer perspectives that they may not have experienced or sought out themselves. 

When are you most creative? Like a certain place or time of the day?

-The energy I get from navigating the outdoors, as well as spending time amongst people provides me the most creativity. They are both great references that I use in my work. As for time of day, I am definitely a night owl. I like to take time in the morning for myself, and not rush into the studio. 

Is there something you would say to the young aspiring artist today? What would that be?

-I would say to them to keep creating. The work is different from the traditional career, but it is truly theirs, and that's both empowering and humbling. I would also encourage them to show your work with others, as art is meant to be shared. 

How would you define your style and why all the skeletons?

-I love the skeleton question. The basic structures of the human body are shared: regardless of age, culture, or status. So in my work I try to have the viewers rethink their understanding of anatomy. It is not only our human blueprint, but when taken out of the medical context where it is seen most, these structures are truly striking. And we all shared them. I compose pieces where the subject can be visually recognizable to the viewer, in order for the viewer to share in the structures I depict. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

-Not so obviously, Leonardo Da Vinci. He created some of the first anatomical pieces that we can appreciate to this day. I love his style of organic structures. 

I also look to Edward Hopper's work, because his pieces create strong feelings from the viewer. Whether it be the isolation focus of his architecture pieces, to the ever famous "Nighthawks"  moody tension, the guy knows how to paint emotion. 

Check out her instagram brea_originals for more.

Brea's Roping Skeleton