Brigitte Huson: introducing a Local Staunton Artist

WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA SHOVER | PILLAR OF GROUNDED | ISSUE 09

Meet Brigitte Huson, a talented artist hailing from Staunton, Virginia, whose journey into the world of art began with a simple pencil and pad of paper.

Growing up with two older sisters and a younger brother, Brigitte found solace in sketching while her family shuttled between various events. However, it was in high school that her passion for painting truly blossomed, thanks to an inspiring art teacher who not only introduced her to new artistic horizons but also provided the means to explore them.

As Brigitte advanced through high school, her commitment to art intensified. By senior year, she was dedicating two blocks of her daily schedule to art. This fervor continued at the University of Dayton, where she pursued a dual degree in painting and elementary art education. Initially leaning towards elementary education, Brigitte’s artistic calling became undeniable when her college roommate arrived with a trove of art supplies on the second day of school.

For a decade, Brigitte shared her love for art as an elementary art teacher in Northern Virginia. However, the demands of the profession and administrative challenges led her to seek a change. Relocating closer to family in Staunton coincided with a pivotal moment—discovering she was pregnant. This juncture prompted Brigitte to rekindle her artistic pursuits, dedicating herself to building a personal artistic practice.

With a renewed focus on her craft since moving to Staunton, Brigitte has been diligently working to bring her unique artistic voice to the forefront. Her journey is not only a testament to the resilience of artistic passion but also a narrative of rediscovery and commitment to personal growth.

When asked about misconceptions surrounding the life of an artist, Brigitte Huson passionately breaks down a prevailing myth that often shrouds the creative process. “A big misconception is that you have to be inspired all the time. And you have to feel it all the time,” she remarks, emphasizing the unrealistic expectations placed on artists. Brigitte candidly shares the less glamorous side of her craft, revealing that not every moment in the studio is a burst of creative inspiration.

“Especially on commissions, and particularly when I get to the end of a commission, there are some nights when I might not feel motivated to paint,” Brigitte admits. It’s a stark revelation that challenges the romanticized notion of artists being in a perpetual state of inspiration.

In her experience, the demands of commissioned work can push the boundaries of motivation, requiring a different kind of commitment—discipline.

“It’s still doing the work,” Brigitte asserts with a conviction born out of years of dedication to her craft. The process, she explains, is not always bathed in the glow of inspiration, but it’s about pushing through the uninspired moments. For Brigitte, this perseverance is the key to rediscovering the magic inherent in creating art. “Once you push through the uninspired part, then you kind of find it again, and find that magic again. But it’s still hard work,” she reflects.

Brigitte’s words serve as a reality check for aspiring artists and admirers alike, offering a glimpse into the resilience required to navigate the peaks and valleys of a creative journey. It’s a reminder that behind every masterpiece lies a tapestry of effort, determination, and a willingness to confront the challenges of artistic expression head-on.

“I feel like the more I practice, the better it gets,” Brigitte shares, a sentiment that resonates with the essence of artistic evolution. Her reflective gaze delves into the past, where pieces once perceived as the pinnacle of achievement now serve as milestones in an ongoing journey.

“I’ll look at pieces I did years ago that I thought were like the best, and I’m like, oh, I want to go back and add more detail. Or like add more contrast,” Brigitte admits, revealing an artist’s perpetual quest for refinement. This yearning for enhancement is not fueled by disappointment in past work but rather a testament to the continuous honing of her skills. It’s an acknowledgment that with each stroke of the brush, Brigitte inches closer to capturing the intricacies of light, shadow, and detail.

“I think it’s just like I get a little better every year at really picking out the details in the highlights and the shadows,” Brigitte observes.

In Brigitte’s words, we find a profound truth about the artistic process—a journey where inspiration intertwines with discipline, and where each stroke builds upon the last. The misconception that an artist must be constantly inspired gives way to the reality of hard work, determination, and the continuous pursuit of mastery.

In the brushstrokes and pigments that breathe life into her canvases, Brigitte Huson invites us to see beyond the surface and into the layers of dedication that define her craft. The magic she discovers within the seemingly mundane moments of discipline serves as an inspiration to fellow artists and enthusiasts alike.

In the grand tapestry of artistic expression, Brigitte Huson’s story is a reminder that the journey is as significant as the destination.