Moved by personal reflection and a changing world, I conceived and executed a performance on October 16, 2001 in which I “married art.” A photographer helped document the event. Dressed in artistic character, I released a personal poem into the waters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. This symbolic action binds me to a life of creating art, as much as I can each day. My artistic intent is to share my love with the world and encourage others to follow their own dreams.

I’ve gone back to same location to renew my cathartic vow on some but not all anniversaries of October 16th. Some inspired years I feverishly made all kinds of art but did not make it to the river. In a few heavier years I created almost nothing but still went to sit beside the flowing water. Fate has dealt ups and downs in life, yet my heart remains committed to the creative self. For those who’ve followed my work, it’s a likely a familiar project from my documentation over the years.

At the beginning of 2026 I set a lot of goals, one being to reconnect with other creative humans, preferably in person. I’ve done that throughout the year, but to push the notion further on October 16, 2026 artist and creator friends gathered in our home for an evening of sharing art & inspiration with each other. This event was the beginning of how I’d like to continue fostering more in-person communication with fellow creators. Talking with others about art, with a focus on positivity, inspiring each other, sharing art (in any form) we love! We had a great time and I was thankful for everyone who participated. Together we can be the change we want to see in the world!

I had also hoped to bike to the Mississippi River on my 25 year anniversary, but the weather and timing didn’t align. Despite this, it was an incredible day! Being at the river always symbolizes committing to art, and this year is filled with examples.

• Hosting an artist gathering felt like an inclusive, forward-thinking way to celebrate my performance from 25 years ago.

• Starting this newsletter alongside my journal has been one of the best things I’ve done to stay in communication and focus.

• Reaching the goal of entering the Minnesota State Fair was magical and meaningful.

• Creating and giving away a love passport/zine for Minneapolis Pride shared love and connection with hundreds of people.

• For the first time in many years, I have submitted my art into galleries and art calls.

• Aside from creating the actual art, another never-ending aspect is documenting everything through photographs, writing, and video, all of which I edit and produce entirely myself.

I’ve kept my hands busy creating and only just begun!

25 years later and my calling has never been louder. I continue to emphatically share my love with the world and encourage everyone to follow their biggest, most beautiful dreams. Please don’t delay! This weary world needs us to feel alive and be putting ourselves into it. Now is the time to boldly share what we love!

🧡 Brett

Outside of my day job, I sneak evening and weekend e-bike rides in, when the weather and my body cooperate. Time spent riding my e-bike is so precious. I feel like a kid again and it’s good for me in 100 different ways. But it also means I’m not painting, drawing, or physically working on art. Life can get so busy!

The dilemma of how to spend my limited time can often weigh so heavy. But isn’t that what we all deal with, always? Time is finite. That’s how it goes and it makes life precious. That is also never lost on me. We should always gently remind ourselves to use our time the best we can while we have it. Agree?

It’s also good to remind ourselves to choose something. When we’re rested and feeling healthy, we should be curious creatures! Try new things. Be intentional with time. Surprise yourself. If you don’t know where to start, just start with something you already love. Explore that love. Where did it come from? Can you do more with that love? Is it something you can share with others? It’s never too late to find your own way to be inspired!

Even though all of my art is at home for now, my art mobile waits for another opportunity to hang out somewhere new. I plan to enter it in a spring show next year. The Twin Cities has a rich art scene, so opportunities for artists are not entirely rare. I’m waiting to hear back on another art project submission as we speak.

Also, some exclusive news: I plan to sell a few sun catchers made from the same materials as my hanging art mobile. Yes, my original art for sale! It’s a mini edition and they all turned out super cute. I’ll have a preview and more info soon, and I’ll share it here first!

In the meantime, I continue to work on other new art to see where it leads. As mentioned, it’s always a matter of time - but there is definitely no stopping the momentum of art that reignited this year. It’s amazing, and as long as I’m here and able, I’ll keep sharing my love. I hope you feel happy and healthy!

🧡 Brett

What an amazing experience to see my artwork hanging at the fair. For decades I dreamed and in 2026 finally made it happen.

An unexpected surprise came from knowing friends and family were at the fair looking for it - a treasure hunt for fun. [ VIDEO: Finding my art! ] There’s something wonderful about knowing a piece of art you made is sitting somewhere in the middle of all that activity, waiting to be discovered. I loved getting messages and pictures from people who found it.

I’m sharing a few of those moments here, along with a picture of my score card from the fair. Yes, you are scored in all Creative Activities! I didn’t expect this. My score card has no comments (they sometimes do) and only a breakdown of 86/100. I did not win any ribbons or special awards, but it was a true honor to participate. Do you agree with their numbers? 😉

Making my mobile helped me move forward. While this piece was not accepted at another gallery show this fall, I will not be deterred by rejection. New ideas are taking shape and new ways to share the things I care about are being developed. [ VIDEO: Dreams Made Real ]

Thank you to everyone who went looking for my art at the fair and sent me a picture. Thank you to everyone who talked about this project, encouraged me, and listened. And a very special thank you to everyone who is following my journey here. Your time, attention, and support is appreciated so much!

The rainbow is back home. I hope you are looking forward to a beautiful autumn.

🧡Brett

Can you see it? 👀❤️🌈😅

LOCATION IN THE PHOTO: Here’s a clue. If you didn’t already know, my entry is a hanging art mobile. Things usually hang from above aka the top of something, like the ceiling. Yep, the top of my piece is showing near the top in the image above. If you need another clue, look closely to the left of the 3rd white beam in the image. You should see the top of a rainbow. My entry hangs down from there.

LOCATION IN REAL LIFE: If anyone visiting the 2026 Minnesota State Fair wants to see my entry above, it is located in the Creative Activities (not Fine Arts) building, inside near the Cambria Kitchen area. It’s hanging inside of a green colored “house” with items that are also rainbow colored. Good luck exploring!

Here’s a very quick video showing my mobile up close. It was an honor to participate and enter something into the fair for the very first time in my entire life. I’ll definitely do it again.

Aug. 27 to Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Have a fantastic time at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!
Make some fun memories.

🧡 Brett

This is a hanging art mobile titled “Share Your Love”.

The rainbow at the top is 12” x 12” and the entire piece is 36” tall. The concept and design was created by me. After several prototypes, revisions of materials, sizes, and shapes, this final version was handmade and assembled by me in August 2026.

The top mount rainbow shape is chipboard and acrylic paint with metal finishings. The elastic rainbow string below supports custom acetate shapes.

Testing more dramatic lighting above. To see even more videos and art content of mine let’s be sure to connect on Instagram, Facebook, and/or BlueSky.

This piece was dropped off at the fairgrounds and will be displayed somewhere within the Creative Activities (not Fine Arts) building that is next to the main entrance off of Snelling Avenue. Where it will be within the Creative Activities building is yet to be determined. When I attend the fair and see it for myself, I will share it here too.

It has been several dreams come true and feels almost surreal to be finished with this particular project. After this piece is done at the fair, I am entering it into another art show for September. My art is going on tour! 🤭 I’ll announce more later.

The year 2026 has awoken every atom in my body. I am out to make more art, let my heartfelt positivity speak ever louder, and share more love with the world than I ever dreamed possible. I’m still surprising myself every day. Expect more art and love from me as long as I’m on Earth.

Btw, if there are art or creative project you’d want to work on together, please reach out (especially if local to Twin Cities, Minnesota). My next ideas going into fall and 2027 will involve more interaction with fellow humans in physical space. Let’s collaborate and have fun together!

🧡 Brett

This is me in 1984. I’m sitting at my desk (a favorite place) listening to records, drawing, and being creative.

I remember the sunlight in that room, and how it came through the rainbow decal on the window. There is so much contained in this photograph: curiosity, imagination, solitude, music, color, and a child who already understood that making art was where he felt most like himself.

As August 2026 approaches and one of my longtime artistic goals is nearly realized, I have been thinking about the younger versions of myself who dreamed of days like this. I wonder what that kid at the desk would think if he knew that, more than forty years later, he would still be listening to music, drawing, experimenting, and finding new ways to share what was inside him.

It feels especially meaningful that my first entry into the Minnesota State Fair is something so purely me; an honest expression of care for others, communicated visually in a way that only I could have envisioned. It brings together so many pieces of who I have always been.

My final hanging art mobile is finished! I am not ready to reveal it completely just yet. For now, I am carefully documenting it before I deliver it to the fairgrounds in August. But I wanted to pause and look back at this photograph. I think that kid would be proud and probably a little amazed that we’re still following rainbows.

🧡Brett

To get to this point, I’ve made 3 versions so far. Each version has helped me understand something new about the materials, movement, construction, and what I want the finished artwork to communicate. Version #3 feels and looks much closer to the idea I have been carrying in my head all these years.

I adore it. Watching it move brings me joy.

This mobile is inspired by my artistic message Share Your Love, so I created my own set of recognizable shapes and symbols that feel connected to love, dreaming, hope, and positivity. I want the individual pieces to feel playful, with colors dancing in the air. I want light to pass through the shapes while in motion, projecting more color outward into the surrounding space. I want viewers to look up and smile.

This third version gave me a better sense of the mobile’s overall scale and personality. With this version I was able to see how the shapes interact, where the visual weight falls, and how the artwork changes as it turns. A hanging mobile is never seen from only one angle, which makes designing it both exciting and complicated. Every adjustment affects something else, and sometimes the smallest change can completely alter the way the entire piece hangs. I’ve also been able to see it sized better in relation to the average human body. It’s a three dimensional piece and this particular ratio is important to me.

There is still work ahead, but this version has helped me see the path toward the final artwork much more clearly. The final piece I am completing right now is going to amplify all of the best pieces and parts of what I’ve put together so far. Much more to come!

Now that the MN State Fair is almost 1 month away, are you excited? Are you submitting anything? What are you most excited for at the fair? What’s your favorite summer food? If you aren’t a fair person (understandable) what are your favorite summer activities? If you wish, please share your love.

Summer days go fast – make the most of them and make some memories!
🧡 Brett

NEW: Pride Zine / Love Passport

No, it’s not 1995. It’s 2026 and I made a zine!

What good is it to feel inspired, but do nothing? This year I've felt a renewed energy to let my heart speak louder and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Making this zine is an act of love and sharing love I have inside.

A special team and I will be handing out copies at the 54th Annual Twin Cities Pride Festival in Minneapolis. We’re tasked to share love and make some memorable connections. But don’t wait for us, make your own now!

Zine Download & Instructions

Download, print, and assemble. It’s an easy one page design. Watch how to fold and assemble it in the video above.

I sincerely hope this message inspires you to take action making your dreams come true.

WHAT DID YOU THINK? Did you make one? Did you randomly receive a copy? Not that art needs explanation, but I am curious on the impact and I know others are too. Did you feel inspired? Did you take action? Are you an artist too? I’d love feedback from nice people. The whole point is to grant other humans permission to love, feel joy, be inspired, set goals, follow their dreams, and SHARE LOVE. Those aims are ambitious, but regular readers know this is my artistic focus in 2026.

I feel I have only just begun!

Happy Pride!
YOUR JOY IS A REVOLUTION

🧡 Brett

One of the most enjoyable parts of my hanging art mobile project has been exploring shapes. I’ve always been drawn to bold, simple forms that communicate ideas quickly and clearly. Since the message behind this mobile is Share Your Love, the heart shape naturally became a central element. And we already talked about rainbows. As a side project, using hand cut paper hearts and letters, I decorated this wreath celebrating the month I love so much.

As I thought about other symbols that represent love to me, I kept returning to ideas of dreaming, peace, happiness, and wonder. I’ve always felt like a bit of a hippie at heart, so I wanted the visual language of the mobile to reflect that spirit. Rather than inventing entirely new symbols, I chose familiar shapes that already carry meaning for many people and then reinterpreted them in my own way. Although the shapes are familiar, every one of them was hand-drawn, refined, then built by scratch in Adobe Illustrator. No downloads or emojis used. I spent time adjusting proportions, curves, and details until each shape looked right to me.

Another challenge was deciding how to incorporate words, if at all. I enjoy using language in my artwork, so I experimented with spelling out Share Your Love using individual letters. The result of that felt visually chaotic as you’ll see in my examples. I also tried using complete words, but they became too heavy and inconsistent within the composition. After trial and error, I simplified the idea and settled on using a single word: Love

The mobile itself is an act of love, created to share a moment of joy with visitors at the Minnesota State Fair, and the word love feels like the heart of the project. My hope is that people will look up, smile, and feel inspired. I developed custom letterforms for the word. The cursive “L” was inspired by 4th grade elementary school handwriting lessons I remember enjoying very much.

As my prototypes are becoming more refined, I realized that cutting every shape by hand was not going to be practical. Most of my early experiments were made with scissors, rulers, and an X-Acto knife. My partner encouraged me to invest in a Cricut cutting machine when I spotted one on sale. It has quickly become a valuable tool in my studio.

The Cricut Maker 4 allows me to upload my custom artwork and cut shapes with a level of precision that would be nearly impossible by hand. It’s like a printer, but instead it cuts. What began as a practical purchase has opened up an entirely new round of experimentation. I’ve already used it for greeting cards, stickers, and other projects.

If I can cut with precision, what materials to cut? Rather than opaque paper, I’m interested in creating something that feels more luminous and airy, like stained glass suspended in space. Acetate and translucent films are showing promise, while other materials haven’t delivered the visual impact I was hoping for. Every shape and material weight must be considered not only as a design element but also as a physical object. Balance, weight distribution, symmetry, proportion, and scale all affect how the pieces move and interact when suspended. Art school fundamentals are proving surprisingly useful at this stage. The exploration continues, and that’s part of the fun!

I am working day and night in June 2026 to make future creative magic. I have so much more to reveal! Follow my social media pages so you don’t miss out.

Please know it is not lost on me that people I care about very much are saying goodbye to someone special right now. My love and concern goes out to anyone feeling low, from loss or otherwise. I truly believe we carry pieces of each other inside of us. If we allow the best pieces of our special people to become part of who we are, like a prism we and everything we do shines brighter. Moments pass fast. If you feel it, please never wait to share your love.

Be gentle with yourself and others,
🧡 Brett

June she joyfully blooms beautiful roses freely washing warm sunshine opening muddy minds needing refreshing nature adventure selflessly encouraging loving couples commit future fire youngly embracing wild peaceful friendly hearts

In Minnesota, June never fails to be a time when nature and humanity buzzes to life! The cooler spring mornings warm into technicolor days and the air smells sweet. Hope reaches up again like the new blades of grass. Even hermits can’t resist taking a peek outside! I hope my video inspires you to make use of each day possible during this beloved month.

If you follow me on social media, you’ll see a special NEW project I made this year. Visit HelloBrett.com for links to my social media pages. Sending all my love this month and always!

🧡 Brett

Read the full original post that inspired this video.

It’s easy to misguide heaps of energy toward what we don’t like. There are loud voices always ready with reasons to hate. There are systems, products, and media empires designed to profit endlessly from our worst urges. And there is plenty to be upset about. Nobody is immune from the ability to feel anger. I feel it.

But is it productive? Energy flows where attention goes, as they say. Paying attention is spending time. Unless you’re looking deeper into the source with purpose, it’s a waste of your life to stay in negative mental space for longer than necessary.

I believe the highest calling is to come from a place of love, outwardly toward anything possible, whenever possible.

That is the core of my artistic practice, whatever the medium. When I tap into the highest energy I feel it turns into intense love toward literally everything. Like a gooey rainbow of healing, I see love everywhere, I want to share love with whoever will receive it, I am open to receiving love, and I want others to feel love. There is a ridiculously unsustainable volume of love within me, but this is my heart speaking! Why would I feel this way if it wasn’t authentically somewhere within me? To feel this way and not let it out, is it a waste?

Art requires: Heart, Soul, Energy, Time

These are finite resources to all. The preciousness is beautiful and meaningful to me. I am called most loudly by voices that are uplifting, inspiring, thoughtful, and healing.

Do I get tired of being positive? Oh my gosh YES! Those are times for reflection and self care. I’m writing these words and reaching for a dream, but am otherwise ordinary like anyone. I have good days and bad days. Feeling down is normal and if I need support, I reach out. (You should too.) Tomorrow is a new day. Change your approach if your current habits feel stuck. Life is a journey and practice.

I change art mediums for the same reason. I allow an idea to lead me toward format and material. That often requires play and experimentation, so only the most truthful messages seem worth pursuing.

We all wear multiple hats. Each of us are a multitude of realities and possibilities. You are not defined by what holds you back. I challenge you to pick the very best parts of your life, your dreams, and then actively direct as much energy toward them as you can. It will become the journey of your unique life.

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” - Dolly Parton

I hope this helps explain why I am so curious to know: what do you love?

I can’t think of another question so universally true that I would ask another human. Finding this answer within every human soul seems like the most valuable use of any time we are gifted on Earth. Each human life is full of stories, our heart’s library, and I would ask if I could read the book of what you love.

All of our voices
Sharing our love
Instead of judgement and hate
would immediately change the world!

Choose wisely where you put your life’s energy.

SHARE YOUR LOVE

🧡Brett

My desk is busy with serious play and creative experimentation! It’s entirely up to me what shape my hanging art mobile will be, which is awesome and scary. An artist without parameters can become overwhelmed, so at the very beginning I imagine a viewer coming upon my piece for the first time. What do they see? What can be felt? If I can speak to another human with my art, what to communicate?

The visual: Sun-Catcher / Handcrafted Art Mobile
My message: Share Your Love

What does “Share Your Love” mean? It’s my call asking humans to put energy toward what they love instead of hate. The artistic definition of a “mobile” is motion and motive. My piece will hang and move freely so therefore always be in motion. I see only similarities and possibilities within all of this combined. Motion, energy, motive, action, together with a colorful message of love; these themes intertwine so lovely.

I’m calling my creation a hanging art mobile, but it actually took time to arrive at that definition. A sculpture? A wind chime? A mobile? While definition is not always required in art, a vocabulary did slowly emerge from my research and in talking with others about these ideas. Mobiles on the internet skew mostly toward felt balls for decorating baby cribs or intricately balanced abstract art like Alexander Calder. Respect to both, but I’m defining this process without someone else’s instruction. (Sorry babies!)

With my message taking shape, next I’ll consider physical and visual parameters. I’ll start by focusing on: color, shape, size, how my piece is three dimensional and potentially seen from myriad angles, negative space, balance/weight, any natural kinetic motion it may exhibit, how lighting and environment around the piece will cause shadows to be cast. Some of this is new artistic territory for me, but I revel the challenge.

From gathered thoughts I make small decisions which allow me to I feel ready to experiment with materials. What is good at hanging? String seems obvious, but what kind? I’m thinking the string should be invisible or at least not ugly. It isn’t a component I initially want to stand out or thought much about, but it is important. It should support my hanging items with the right amount of strength and flexibility that allows them to float with grace. Trying out fishing line, it’s transparent but too stiff. Yarn and twine too bulky, frizzy, or distracting.

My mindset shifted once I found some elastic rainbow string that’s meant for friendship bracelets. This particular kind has a lovely gradient of bright colors and the stretch quality means there is tension but also flexibility and forgiveness. It’s pretty and perfect and I bought a bunch. (Note: product links I share may credit me if a purchase is made and I only share what I love!)

Using this rainbow string will add intention and expression to an element of the mobile I nearly overlooked.

This feels like a good time to briefly touch on the topic of rainbows. I fully recognize they are not beloved by everyone. A rainbow is a spectrum like human opinion is a spectrum and therefore some of us will never be on the same wavelength! To me rainbows are both scientifically and spiritually significant. They send a positive, beautiful message and I don’t need anyone’s approval to love them. The more of life seen, the stronger I’m moved in some way by all hues. We have been gifted a palette of beauty to play!

When vibrant spectrums of color shine reflectively or glow like neon, the feeling I get from seeing that with my eyes is so intensely pleasurable I don’t even know what to call it. Pure joy! Eye candy! Twist in elements of fluorescent, iridescent, metallic, pearlescent, holographic, dichroic… WOW! It’s visual magic. For short-hand, let’s say some colors appear “gooey” to my eyes.

I want the overall colors of my mobile looking like a bright gooey rainbow.

The items that will hang are my next major consideration. Should they be felt, glass, paper, plastic? Large or small? Should I use letters, whole words, symbols? Literal or abstract? Wait - what should they even be?? I still have much more to explore!

Share HelloBrett Art & Inspiration Desk

Thank you as always for reading along and for your incredible support. If you made it this far, would you please consider sharing this newsletter with someone who might also enjoy it? Do you feel strongly about any of my choices above? Are you inspired to make art of your own? I want to know! Discussion is always welcome here.

Have a wonderful day ahead.
🧡 Brett

I can laugh about it, but it honestly kills too.

Please allow me to be loud for what I need to say next…

Carrying an unexplored dream is exhausting!

Don’t you agree?

If your heart stirs, that is your truth calling!

Listen to your hopeful heart.

This world needs your big dreams!

Inaction does not help you or the world. You might as well take action, and tire from being your most authentic self.

And I say this knowing how very overwhelming it can all be.

Be patient with yourself and you will find your way to start. Put metaphorical glasses on your heart and focus your vision. Some people write or draw to think and plan. Begin there. Take one step at a time. Make it your task to figure out your own creative process. Nurture your positive spark into a fire.

Putting energy toward your goals and dreams is worth it, because you are worth it.

As I brainstormed within my 2026 journal, I stumbled upon another old dream: the idea of making a hanging art mobile. I’ve long admired the colorful work of artist Alexander Calder, but never explored making my own mobile.

I began to draw, cut paper, and think deeper about form, materials, and what I feel compelled to express. It occurred to me that the fair entry and hanging art mobile could become one goal that will satisfy two of my dreams at the same time. I didn’t need any louder of a sign from the universe. I’m going for it!

I intend to translate my artistic message “Share Your Love” into a hanging art mobile and submit my creation for entry into the 2026 Minnesota State Fair Creative Activities competition.

Deadline to enter is August 4, 2026. The fair will run daily from August 27 - September 7, 2026 in Falcon Heights, MN. Acceptance or recognition of my creation isn’t required, my goal is only to enter. It will be a dream realized and maybe my soul can feel a little less ruin. Whew!

Consider this my official announcement, with a lot more to come as we get closer to August. I look forward to sharing more details about my experimenting next week. In the meantime I would LOVE if you shared one of your dreams in the comments below. I’m so thankful you are here with me. Let’s dream together!

Also, check out Art-A-Whirl this Friday-Sunday if you’re near Minneapolis Minnesota.

Enjoy all that beauty out there!
🧡 Brett

Navigating deadly cold wind chills and hospital visits, my tender heart hurt so much. My soul cried out for the unspeakable suffering of each darker day. I felt furious for it all.

From this deep sadness I have been transformed and profoundly moved.

The roads of life are directing all of us toward our better selves, always. We must listen to our hearts and then find a way to take action. Even tiny action, but in our own way. I’m striving to use life’s pain to learn, grow, summon my own inner joy, and create something positive.

My 2026 journal (I’m ruining) reminds of my ongoing artistic goal: share your love. This is my tiny step toward letting these truest feelings inside of me out. I cannot resist action one moment longer.

I dare to let my light shine brighter than ever before. What would happen if we all dared to put more of our love into the world? Can you visualize yourself pointing toward something you love? What is it? Please feel free to share your love here too.

In the coming weeks, months, and years ahead we will discuss all kinds of art here.

As a multimedia artist I’ll share my thinking, process, current projects, materials, and techniques. We’ll find inspiration in the world together, acknowledging it is human to be all things: silly, serious, creative, playful, real. This is a safe place for all hearts who choose to join. 🌈 Thank you for being on the journey!

🧡 Brett

I purposefully decided I was going to allow myself to “ruin” the pristine blank pages. (That’s a creativity trick from a teacher.)

I needed to express some very, very strong feelings I was having.

I chose to think positively about the future within my 2026 journal, but still allow the messy ideas to come freely – drawing, writing, however I felt.

An incredible river of energy and ideas was unlocked within me! The love and inspiration I feel blooms and grows greater each day. I’m motivated to push beyond the pages of my journal. But how, you ask? I can’t wait to share more with you all.

This free newsletter is where to follow all my updates. I chose the name HelloBrett Art & Inspiration Desk because I believe the future has a lot of wonderful things in store for all of us. More art is shared at HelloBrett.com, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Thank you for joining!

🧡 Brett