BRIANNE URZADA

“My work explores the aftermath of trauma and how it affects identity. It’s when things go back to ‘normal’ that intrigues me. Life went back to ‘normal’ for me after completing successful cancer treatments, and I found support in recovery was little or absent. I took it upon myself to understand how people move through the coping process, which is both complicated and necessary. My work begins with research, where I conduct interviews, photo sessions and draw inspiration from others experiencing a healing journey. I look specifically at fear and what opens up when we become comfortable with it. Truly processing the pain of an experience gives way to hope, freedom and comfort.”

Brianne Urzada holds a Bachelor of Arts Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) from the University of Regina. At the age of 23, she faced a diagnosis of stage three Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent a challenging treatment program that ultimately proved successful. This experience deeply influenced her artistic exploration, focusing on the impact of trauma on identity, particularly as a woman and mother. Through the use of abstracted figures, she captures the healing journey and conveys messages of hope.

In 2015, Brianne established Arthouse, a local arts business, where she primarily works as an artist and also offers corporate arts-based team building and private painting lessons. Her personal encounter with cancer fostered a profound appreciation for the therapeutic and meditative qualities of art. Supported by private funding, she now provides free therapeutic art classes to cancer patients and survivors, often featuring them as subjects in her paintings.

Brianne recently showcased her latest body of work, titled “Someone You Know,” in a solo exhibition. Her talent as an emerging artist earned her recognition on CBC. She also completed the Michele Sereda Artist in Residency program at the University of Regina, further enriching her artistic practice and perspectives.