Meet Bri Chesler

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bri Chesler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bri, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience has defined my existence for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I endured trauma—some self-inflicted through childhood curiosities that led me astray, but much of it shaped by forces beyond my control. My father had a mental breakdown when I was around ten, and my parents, like many adults struggling with their own pain, turned to vices instead of seeking help. As their addictions consumed them, I found myself in the role of caretaker, navigating the chaos of a home that offered no refuge. My father became violent, and for the next decade, I endured relentless abuse.

I tried to tell my story, but my family was skilled at hiding its secrets. For years, I lived as a fractured version of myself, unheard and unseen. Yet, despite the weight of that silence, I refused to be erased. When I had nothing left to lose and no one to listen, I turned to art—not as an escape, but as a means of survival. My resilience manifested through creation, pouring every unspoken emotion, every unacknowledged wound, into my work. Art became a space where my story could exist, whether or not there was anyone to hear it. It was not just an outlet, but a reclamation of self, a way to transform pain into something tangible, something powerful, something beautiful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a glass and mixed media installation artist exploring the psychological and physical experience of desire—its nuances within intimacy, obsession, lust, and autonomy. Inspired by the chaotic beauty of nature, I abstract biological and botanical forms, distilling their sensual and erotic qualities to reflect society’s fixation on beauty, attraction, and allure. By confronting viewers with their own attraction, my work reveals the awkward, grotesque, and often comical facets of desire, exposing its contradictions and complexities.
A defining innovation in my practice is the deconstruction of material properties. Glass interacts with hair, beads, fabric, and synthetics, dissolving the boundary between the organic and manufactured. These contrasting textures liberate material from expectations, transforming glass from something static to something tactile, unpredictable, and provocative. By embedding glass within materials that resist and obscure, I create friction. Softness resists as control unravels. Form destabilizes, entanglement fractures, and distortion reshapes. This tension fosters a material androgyny, glass no longer exists as a singular entity but shifts between states, resisting categorization.

The next phase of my practice will see the introduction of kinetic elements, transforming my sculptures into interactive, responsive forms. Motion and sensory feedback will serve to heighten the tension between attraction and discomfort, forging a dynamic dialogue between body and object. Through immersive installations, audience interaction will shape the work’s behavior in real time. Each sculpture will react to touch, proximity, and movement—shifting through light, sound, and form. These works will breathe, tremble, and subtly shift, eliciting a visceral, corporeal response.

Beyond my artistic practice, I am overwhelmingly passionate about providing and expanding access to the art of glassmaking. Growing up in a hostile environment, I found empowerment through art. In Seattle, I discovered a glass community built on trust, collaboration, and shared vulnerability. This sense of belonging fuels my commitment to creating spaces where others can experience the same transformative power of art.
To further explore this philosophy, I am developing a mobile hotshop to bring glassblowing to underserved communities and educational institutions. By removing barriers to access, I hope to foster artistic exploration and creative expression while also uplifting different communities.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

There Is Never a “Right” Time.
Many young artists wait for the “right” time to share their work, but that moment is now. The only thing standing between you and opportunity is hesitation—waiting to apply for shows, residencies, or jobs only limits your chances. Put yourself out there and keep doing it. The more your work is in the world, the more likely it is to reach the right people. Stay persistent and consistent—opportunities will follow.

Attitude Is Everything
Confidence is key. If you project uncertainty, others will sense it too. Even if you feel like an imposter, walk into every opportunity with conviction in what you have to offer. “Fake it until you make it” isn’t just a saying—it’s a survival skill. Equally important is the energy you bring. A positive, kind, and collaborative attitude goes a long way. Many of my opportunities have come not from being the most skilled, but from being someone others enjoy working with.

There Is Enough Opportunity for Everyone
Artists often see each other as competition, but success isn’t a zero-sum game. There is no need to gatekeep, badmouth, or burn bridges unnecessarily. Selection decisions are rarely personal; they come down to fit, timing, and context. Celebrate your peers, support each other, and remember—when you help lift those around you, you rise with them.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My peers have been the most influential in my growth, they are my family, mentors, and teachers. Through shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we push each other to evolve. The people around you are your greatest resource for knowledge and support, offering perspectives that formal education cannot. Building a strong community rooted in openness and vulnerability fosters resilience and success. Embracing both strengths and shortcomings allows for genuine connections, and those who want you to thrive will stand by you. Above all, lean into discomfort—it reveals where growth is most needed and paves the way for transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brichesler.com
• Instagram: @brichesler
• Linkedin: Bri Chesler

Image Credits

First image – Emilie Smith , All other photos taken by artist