Brian Hibbard: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
November 19, 2023 | Topics: featured artist
The Natural Realm presents Brian Hibbard, who is among 12 artists participating in a year-long residency program called ARTservancy, a collaboration between Gallery 224 in Port Washington and the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy, Tall Pines Conservancy, and Lake Michigan Bird Observatory. The mission of ARTservancy is to promote the visionary work of both the artists and conservationists. Each artist has selected a preserve to spend time in and to engage with.
Artist Statement by Brian Hibbard
The Milwaukee River Greenway is a great escape from the city; a calming oasis amidst the bustling street life. When you live in a big city, it is easy to forget our connection to nature. After all, we are the descendants of hunter-gatherers who lived off the land. The Milwaukee River Greenway is more than 800 acres of protected river valley within a mile of downtown. Researchers found that people who spent at least 120 minutes (about 2 hours) a week in nature saw a boost in their mental and physical health compared to people who did not spend any time in nature. I think our bodies crave it.
I’m drawn to the history of the Milwaukee River. I love that Hubbard Park used to be an amusement park called ‘Wonderland’ (with a Ferris wheel and a rollercoaster!); or the fact that Estabrook Park used to be the site of public swimming holes in the old quarry lagoon; and there was the Gordon Park Bath House with diving boards and slides. Some favorite public events on the Milwaukee River were ice skating in the winter, and canoe jousting in the summer.
I’ve traveled to over twenty-five different countries over the years, and even more cities, and I will never forget visiting Zurich, Switzerland. Walking around the historic village there, the one thing that struck me the most was seeing people doing the backstroke in the river right downtown! People would jump off the bridge and go for a swim! It brought a whole different feeling of leisure and healthy connection to the nature within the community. I hope one day the river here can get back to a state where swimming and water play can once again be a part of Milwaukee summers.
I want my artwork for this project to highlight the oasis-like effect of the greenway in the middle of the city. I want to highlight the animals that call the river home, and I hope to depict some fun river activities that once were and some that still are. I view this project as a celebration of the Milwaukee River and a depiction of the pollution that has damaged it, as well as a look back at the whole reason our ancestors chose this area to settle in the first place: the river of resources.
My art is a product of me and my surrounding environment—a peek inside my mind. I weave a dreamscape of the real along with the imagined. The goal is to start a conversation. I like creating images never before seen and sharing a moment with the viewer. There are infinite possibilities in the realm of art; it is this that excites me the most.”
Gallery
Bio
I grew up in suburban-America in DePere, Wisconsin. I am the son of a schoolteacher and a farm-raised-father. They took me and my sister on road trips every summer, camping from National Park to National Park. This childhood ingrained a love of nature and adventure that, when paired with hours of MTV, shaped my artist’s brain today.
In 2003, I attended UW-Whitewater. I credit my painting professor Greg Porcaro, metalsmith Teresa Faris, and my drawing and design professor Max White’s enthusiasm for art in changing my entire outlook on life.
In 2010, I moved to Milwaukee, and had an art studio at The Lincoln Warehouse for two years; then a studio at Var Gallery in Walker’s Point for three years, but now work out of my home near Brady Street. My techniques are experimental and messy. People are often struck by the bright colors and sense of humor, and usually comment on the mixture of mediums and materials used. I leave a lot of rough edges, and don’t prescribe to any painting rules. I want to convey fun, freedom, and thoughtfulness.
For more information about the Milwaukee River Greenway go to our Find-a-Park page. This residency is sponsored by River Revitalization Foundation.
Related stories:
The Milwaukee River Greenway: A Wealth of Nature in the Heart of the City
Meghan Burke McGrath: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
Haley Krob: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
Holly Buchholz: Artist in Residence in The Milwaukee River Greenway
Chuck Stebelton: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
Mauriah Donegan Kraker: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
Marsha McDonald: Artist in Residence in Milwaukee River Greenway
Jayce Kolinski: Artist in Residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
Glenda Puhek: Artist in residence in the Milwaukee River Greenway
This is the latest in our series of featured artists, which is intended to showcase the work of photographers, artists, writers and other creative individuals in our community whose subjects or themes relate in some broad sense to nature, urban nature, people in nature, etc. To see a list of previously featured artists, click here. The work of the 2022-2023 ARTservancy artists in residence is currently being exhibited monthly at Gallery 224. To meet the other ARTservancy artists in residence, click here.
All images courtesy of the artist, except as noted. The featured photo at the top of Brian Hibbard in Gordon Park is by Eddee Daniel. River Revitalization Foundation is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.