Meet Brandy Stock! Brandy has lived in Penticton for around 25 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My two-year-old Niece. She's so sweet and silly, and everything is a discovery for her.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
St. Germain's Cafe – Love popping in there for a coffee and checking out the artwork on their walls. (Hope to have my work there eventually)
Describe yourself in one word.
Stubborn.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Well I would love to head back to New Zealand to see my friends.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
I'm not sure if this counts as an activity, but I love the Farmer's Market in the summer. I try to go as often as I can. I love supporting local farmers and artisans, and to see what other people are creating.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Four years ago I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was 30 at the time and totally unprepared to deal with it (not that anyone is ever prepared).
It was a really hard time in my life, but I was SO lucky to have some amazing friends and family to help me through it.
We decided to throw a party/fundraiser to help with some of the financial concerns, and I was overwhelmed by the response from my community. We had a huge backyard BBQ, with live music and a silent auction, and there was an outpouring of help and donations. The support that I got from everyone (especially my mom and best friend) was amazing! So inspiring!
It was also during this time that I learned a lot about myself and began to turn to artwork more to help me escape from depression while going through treatment. I also taught myself how to play the guitar, and art and music were the two things that really helped me heal. It's four years later, I am cancer free and I am so grateful. And I haven't stopped painting or playing music.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've donated some of my original artwork to different auction fundraisers within Penticton. So if you're reading this, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just more acceptance.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Either a walk up to Munson Mountain or along the KVR trail. Anywhere in nature usually.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
This is a hard question to answer. Part of what I love about Penticton is that it's not Kelowna.
I love the small town feel of it, but I think we can do better at supporting the people who live here. ALL the people.
I think we need more affordable housing. I see a lot of new condos/apartment buildings going up, and while new construction is great for job creation, most people with an average income, or a single income, or are a young family can't afford to buy there, or rent there.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The people, the landscapes, the wine! ; )
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I've done a lot that was on my younger bucket list (skydiving for one) but this is what's currently there.
1)Travel and spend time in Ireland/Scotland. Or Greece. Or Japan. Or Brazil. (Basically just travel more).
2) See the Orcas off BC's west coast (doing it this August!)
3) Have my artwork in the Lloyd Gallery in Penticton. (Some of my personal favorite artists have work hanging there – Shannon Ford for one, John Revill for another)
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm blind in my right eye. It's inspired some inventive nicknames.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I have personal profiles on Facebook and Instagram, but I'm on my Art pages a LOT more, so will likely respond there faster. Just search out Brandy Rose Art on Facebook, Instagram and youtube.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Brandy Rose Art.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this because I really wanted to begin to share my artwork with others and to grow as an artist. Earning money while doing something that I absolutely LOVE was a part of it but it comes secondary to being able to share what I create.
What is the goal of your business?
Eventually, I would like to be able to support myself fulltime with my artwork. I also would love to start teaching painting classes.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Truthfully it's probably my own internal struggle with wondering if my art is "good enough". I think we all compare ourselves to others, and that's something I've been trying to get over. I think it stunts creativity too.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
What do you always find yourself saying?
You can't control what people do/say, but you CAN control how you react to it.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be who you are whether people understand it or not. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't let fear stop you from dreaming big.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I can't choose. I REALLY can't.
Stevie Nicks, or Miranda Lambert or Brandi Carlile. OR
Shannon Ford, or Josephine Wall or Louise DeMasi.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it's important to keep our money in our own town for one thing. But I also think it's important to support makers (of all kinds). I would rather spend a bit more on something that is one of a kind or is a quality product.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I've just started to create youtube tutorial videos, and it brings me so much joy seeing other artists share the paintings they created from my tutorials. I was also thrilled to have my art in the Penticton Art Gallery's Christmas Show.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
