Brianna Ortiz Van Schoyck is a Chicago-based artist working along the intersections of craft, language, and ritual where she explores the confrontation and restraints of love, emotions, and community. She received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied fibers and sculpture. While in university, she began examining the destruction of hierarchies in institutions and the decolonization of arts and crafts — Brianna is passionate about reintroducing and honoring non-western craft traditions that have been neglected in the art canon. Through multidisciplinary methods, Brianna blends her art-making practice with facilitation of artistic experiences for others in social outreach and community-engaged work through workshops, sharing resources, and activism. She also believes it is vital to hold a studio practice while teaching others the agency and healing of art making. 

As a Puerto Rican Chicago native, Brianna investigates the complexities of existing in many different worlds; the Caribbean diaspora, generational trauma, and healing are foundational to her creative process. Themes of pain and passion are present throughout her work as she explores duality and conflict. Art is a tool Brianna uses to confront the pains that come with death and grief, in an attempt to face and embrace the fears of the unknown. Embracing and gaining agency over the “void” — this unknown, a place filled with the need to be anything while nothing; the contrasting dichotomy within the value of everything and yet nothing — is intrinsic to her work. Whether it be through colorful, frantic gouache paintings, ceramics, soft sculpture or embellished weavings, Brianna invites viewers to reflect on deep complicated emotions.

Looking at the spirituality embedded in her cultural identity, such as santería, Brianna uses art therapy in a ritualistic way, crafting offerings and altars that symbolize reciprocity in love. She uses vessels throughout these altars to engage in the give and take of beauty and necessity.  Brianna feels an innate connection to craft traditions through the physical kinship with her diaspora roots and ancient practices. Through self exploration Brianna looks to understand the complexities and absurdities of being a human by confronting historical traditional heritage and a cultural heritage based in politics, inherited traits, and self identity while being both critical and embracing.