Love What You Do And Forget The Rest with Chris Brandell | Ep. 12
My guest on this week’s episode of The True North Show is Chris Brandell who is an incredible and inspiring intuitive abstract artist who does everything with love. Her pieces are an ever-evolving interpretation of her connection with something greater. Chris shares with us how she had to learn to quieten her logical brain and step fully into a creative space that was completely intuitive while learning how to bring herself back to presence and being grounded. Everything she does is always with love and it is evident throughout our conversation.
Chris Brandell is an intuitive abstract artist whose minimalist compositions are intimate expressions of her interactions with the natural world. Exploring the dynamic interplay between presence, intuition and quiet space, her limited palette and the texture and marks she makes are informed by the things she loves found near her studio: shells, driftwood, pieces of concrete, and wire and more.
Chris also feels the energy connected to words, quotes and poetry, music and lyrics. She represents these physical and heart-felt inspirations abstractly with oil paint and a variety of drawing media on large-scale two-dimensional surfaces. Chris emphasizes the authenticity of intuition over planning—believing that a painting’s truth lies in its lived discovery, not in the mind’s design. Her paintings usually start with an organic drawing which may end up being the focus of the composition or just the foundation for something new. This method prioritizes negative space, letting it speak as powerfully as marks. She treats sparsity not as emptiness, but as meaningful pauses full of potential where her work invites viewers to reflect and insert their own interpretations into the negative space.
Fundamentally she paints about all types of love: spiritual, romantic, platonic and self-love. She is interested in the idea that Divine perfection – essentially the ultimate form of love – exists in every aspect of life. Her mantra is “do what you love and forget the rest” and this is the truth of Chris’ work: no matter where it takes her, it is always about love.
Through her work, Chris aims to craft spaces that channel love and peace. Born and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Chris’ work continues to evolve in her studio in Marco Island, Florida. After a successful career as a business executive and part-time artist, she has been focused on painting full time since early 2019.
Her paintings can be found in private and corporate collections including that of Southern Methodist University, Phi Beta Phi in Texas, and The Silva & Edge Buildings in Maryland. She is represented by Gardner Colby Gallery, Huff Harrington Fine Art, Artful Sol Gallery and Design Supply Gallery. These notable galleries, and others, have praised her paintings for their meditative presence and quiet elegance.
In sum, Chris Brandell’s artistic journey is a poetic testament to following one’s inner call: from corporate precision to the meditative freedom of abstract painting, her art is a quiet dialogue between presence and absence—and a call to find beauty and love in simplicity.
Social Media:
Website: https://www.chrisbrandell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbrandell
Transcript:
Megan North (00:00):
Today, I’m joined by an incredibly inspiring woman I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for just a few weeks now. Chris Brandell is an intuitive abstract artist whose minimalist compositions are intimate expressions of her interaction with the natural world.
Exploring the dynamic interplay between presence, intuition, and quiet space, Chris uses a limited palette, texture, and marks inspired by shells, driftwood, concrete, wire, and other found objects near her studio.
She also draws on the energy of words, quotes, poetry, music, and lyrics—expressing these inspirations abstractly with oil paint and drawing media on large-scale surfaces. Chris emphasises the authenticity of intuition over planning, believing a painting’s truth lies in lived discovery, not the mind’s design.
Fundamentally, Chris paints about all forms of love—spiritual, romantic, platonic, and self-love. Her mantra: “Do what you love and forget the rest.”
Welcome to the show, Chris. I’m so excited you’re joining us today.
Chris Brandell:
Thank you, Megan. I’m delighted to be here. Gosh, what an introduction!
On Expressing Art in Words
Megan:
Your work is incredible. But is it difficult to put into words what your art means?
Chris:
It used to be. For years, I struggled to articulate what I was painting. Then one day, it all came together—this idea of divine perfection, love, and creation. I realised it had taken me 20 years of thinking, but in one day, the words arrived. Now, because it’s true for me, it flows easily.
On Viewers’ Interpretations
Megan:
I imagine some people just enjoy the visual, while others want the story behind it. How do you navigate that?
Chris:
There are three types of viewers:
- Those who just love what they see.
- Those who ask, “Tell me what it means.”
- And those who don’t know why but feel deeply connected.
I prefer to ask people what a piece means to them before sharing my own meaning. Their interpretation matters most.
The Defining Moment
Megan:
What was the defining moment that led you to pursue art full-time?
Chris:
I’d wanted to be a full-time artist for decades but was running a business in Washington, D.C. Then I had a terrible car accident—t-boned by a dump truck. I walked away, but that near-death moment was my wake-up call. Life was too precious to wait.
Soon after, my business partner and I sold the company, and I moved to Florida. From that day, I became a full-time artist.
Courage and Transition
Megan:
Did stepping into your passion require courage?
Chris:
Absolutely. At first, I thought I’d just paint but still approach it with a business mindset. My body and intuition knew differently, but my brain resisted. I needed courage to embrace discomfort, let go of old ways, and step fully into my purpose. I even lost friends who couldn’t accept the new me—but I gained so many aligned ones.
Creative Process
Megan:
Did your art change after that transition?
Chris:
Yes. Before, I planned my work. Now, I step to the canvas without a plan. If I start overthinking, the work suffers. Sometimes I even blindfold myself to bypass the thinking brain. That practice taught me to trust intuition completely.
Mental Health and Balance
Megan:
How do you stay balanced in the midst of creative intensity?
Chris:
I focus on fitness, healthy eating, sleep, meditation (especially theta meditation), and walks on the beach. Music also keeps me present in the studio. Balance outside the studio ensures I can show up fully inside it.
Social Media Challenges
Megan:
Many artists struggle with social media. How is it for you?
Chris:
It’s been my biggest challenge. I’m introverted, and I dislike putting myself out there. But I’ve learned that storytelling about my pieces connects with people, even if I don’t love sharing my personal life online. Social media has brought collectors to me—even if indirectly. It’s advertising we can’t ignore.
Advice for Others
Megan:
What advice would you give someone exploring their passion and purpose?
Chris:
Don’t give up. There will be obstacles—money, doubt, fear—but stay committed. The more you lean in, the more it becomes who you are. Start small if you need to, but start. Trust that if you’re drawn to it, it’s for a reason.
What’s Next
Megan:
What’s next for you?
Chris:
I’m working on a coffee table book of my artwork and writings, aiming for release in 2026. I’m also planning a solo exhibition in Florida and seeking gallery representation on the East Coast.
Closing Lesson
Megan:
Finally, what lesson do you wish you’d learned earlier?
Chris:
Do what you love and forget the rest. I spent years focused on things I didn’t truly love. Everything shifted when I committed to love—expressing it, expanding it, and channelling it through my art.
