Meet Brianna “Bri” Macias of 214Bri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna “Bri” Macias.

Brianna “Bri”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been creative from as far back as I can remember. Art class was always where I felt the most free, and it wasn’t until 6th grade where I was enrolled in my first theatre class. I had my first audition, was casted in my first play, and it was the start of what would end up being my craft for over five years. In high school, I was exposed to other aspects of theatre, aside from acting, which included playwriting, costume design, and directing.

This exposure made me realize I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre and more specifically, costume design. I hadn’t painted or drawn anything prior to taking this course, so it challenged, but also excited me. The entire process of researching garments, finding swatches of fabrics, and finally drawing and painting designs, required me to develop a strong work ethic. I also enjoyed playwriting, and was grateful enough to have the only serio-comedy I’ve ever written to be produced at my high school.

Post-graduation I enrolled in community college, and I was unhappy to say the least. I didn’t know where I was going as far as a career, I was drained of the standard school setting, and I was working two jobs as a full-time student. One of my jobs would get monthly subscriptions from Vice Magazine and I would always take a copy home; I still had my watercolor paints leftover from costume design class. It was these two coincidences, and a bit of frustration, that would push me to create what would be my first mixed media collage, entitled, “Mondaze.” It was this same piece that I decided to submit for an open-call exhibition for a gallery in January 2018.

To my surprise, it was accepted, and the first piece to sell at opening night of the Fort Works Art Gallery group exhibition entitled, “First Come, First Serve.” I submitted this piece because I knew I didn’t have anything to lose, and I would regret it if I didn’t; seeing as most galleries will require a submission fee, and this was my shot at getting a piece on display. I loved seeing peoples’ reactions to my piece as the night went on. This opportunity, along with motivation from my friends and family, is what inspired me to start the social media presence of my artwork, and encouraged me to continue creating.

As of today, I have participated in a variation of events from markets, to the underground Dallas shows involving music, all while being commissioned for custom paintings, clothing, and even collaborations with local photographers. The medium I started with was watercolor, but since I have tried my hand in acrylic painting, satin acrylic (for clothing), spray paint, and even moved on to human canvases with body art. My journey has only begun, and I’m excited to collaborate with more creatives from the DFW and explore my creativity outside of painting.

Has it been a smooth road?
My path has had its ups and downs, just as anyone. I was on the verge of not graduating high school, due to grades and was involved in an incident that required me to be sent to an alternative school. However, I stand by the phrase, “everything happens for a reason,” as cliché as it may sound. During my time at the alternative school, I was able to raise my GPA, all while discovering that most of the kids in that building didn’t have the support system needed to be a successful student (myself included). Moving back in with my grandparents granted me that support system once more, and it forced me to get my act together.

When I was 19, I was involved in an abusive relationship. I was depressed, I stopped creating, I ate but once a day, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I had always told myself that I would leave anyone that put their hands on me, but believe me when I say you don’t know what it’s like until you’re put in that situation. I also didn’t have a car, and we had a lease on an apartment together. It wasn’t until the third incident that I got the authorities involved, and moved back in with my grandparents. This situation was definitely a learning experience, not only for me but that of which others can learn from. I was fortunate to have family to fall back on, but I know there are many others who are deprived of that.

Please tell us about 214bri.
My company is 214bri, which is the same as my Instagram handle. I specialize in acrylic painting, mixed media collage, body art, and custom painted clothing. What I’m most known for is my custom lighters, and my theoretical merch piece that I did last summer, inspired by Travis Scott’s Astroworld. What I’m most proud of is the continuous support and opportunities I’ve received within this past year. I believe my crave for creativity, and my love for humankind, sets me apart from others. What I love above all is meeting people, learning what part of their journey they’re in, and what I can do to help them succeed.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe art and technology are going to become more integrated in the industry. The bridge between these two avenues is one I look forward to seeing developed and hopefully becoming apart of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.214bri.com
• Email: 214briart@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/214bri
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/214bri

Image Credit:
Chanel Thomas: @mv_perceptions; Jordan Wright: @justwrightvisuals; John Redstone: @redstone783; Ken Williams: @kaydubshutterspeed

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