Selected Artist: BRENNA TYLER

Horses inspire Union, Oregon artist Brenna Tyler, who works in wood, metal, glass, wire and found objects.

"I have found objects to make horses since I was a small child. My parents tell me I would often use things from the garbage (toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, plastic bottles, aluminum foil, etc.). They also tell me I started drawing horses as soon as I could hold a crayon."

Growing up on a ranch, Tyler's memories are saturated with horses.

"Horses have helped me embrace who I am whether I feel strong or fragile. They have always been uplifting, compassionate, and forgiving. They are very influential in my social life, hobbies, marriage, job, and art. When I am with horses and representing them in my art, I feel strength in my identity."

"My art is valuable to me because I see worth in all kinds of objects that would otherwise be treated as trash. It is part of my value system to reuse materials. This is important to me in my role as a producing artist because I want to live gently on the earth. I find this a positive part of my art’s purpose."