The Art of Becoming: Bree Gilliam and the Power of Creation

For Bree Gilliam, art is more than just color on canvas—it’s a language, a movement, and a conversation. It’s about speaking truth without words, evoking emotions that people didn’t know they had, and giving voice to the overlooked stories of Black and marginalized communities. Bree doesn’t just paint—she expresses. Her work isn’t about creating for the sake of a finished piece; it’s about the process, the feeling, the meaning. And that journey is just as important as the final stroke of her brush.

The Moment That Defined It All

Bree’s artistic journey began in high school, but it wasn’t until her senior year that she knew this was her calling. In 2018, amidst rising racial tensions and societal unrest, she turned her emotions into a powerful triptych—a three-panel painting that laid bare her frustration, pain, and truth. The piece wasn’t just art; it was a response to the world. Displayed in her predominantly white high school in Williamsville, it sparked conversation—some welcoming, some uncomfortable, but all necessary. That moment was pivotal. It wasn’t just about painting anymore. It was about making people feel something.

From that day forward, Bree knew that art was her purpose. She had found her medium for activism, self-expression, and storytelling.

Finding Her Voice Through Oil Paint

While her early works leaned heavily on drawing, it was in college—under the guidance of Professor Lin Xia Jiang at Buffalo State—that she discovered her true passion: oil painting. Unlike other mediums, oil paints gave her the freedom to layer, build, and manipulate colors in a way that felt organic, almost alive.

“Oil paint is my go-to,” she says. “It’s forgiving, smooth, and rich. I love how I can build texture, erase mistakes, and make each piece feel real.”

Though toxic in its composition, the medium is a necessary tool in her storytelling arsenal. Her favorite color, Phthalo Green, a deeply pigmented and vibrant shade, appears often in her work—sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly, always with intent.

Art as a Reflection of Experience

Bree’s paintings don’t exist in a vacuum. They are shaped by her personal experiences, the people she meets, and the stories she feels compelled to tell. She primarily focuses on portraiture—depicting Black and Brown individuals with a depth and humanity that mainstream art has historically ignored.

“Black people weren’t represented in classical art,” she explains. “For so long, our faces, our experiences, our emotions weren’t considered worthy of being painted. I want to change that.”

Her subjects aren’t just faces on a canvas; they are people with histories, emotions, and stories to share. And Bree ensures those stories are told with the depth and complexity they deserve

Community: The Backbone of Creation

If there’s one thing Bree has learned, it’s that art doesn’t exist in isolation. Her growth as an artist has been deeply influenced by Buffalo’s creative community—a tight-knit network of visionaries who uplift, support, and advocate for one another.

From her cousin Jarael Adams, a Buffalo-based tattoo and fine artist who first showed her that art could be a business, to mentors like John Baker, Julia Bottoms, and Edreys and Alexa Wajed, she has been surrounded by individuals who push her forward, remind her of her worth, and open doors she never thought possible.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without community,” she says. “Buffalo’s art scene is like a hidden gem—full of life, collaboration, and support. We lift each other up.”

She now hopes to be that same guiding light for young artists—helping them realize that their passion is worth pursuing, that their voices matter, and that creativity is not just an escape, but a powerful tool for change.

Paintphoria: More Than Just a Business

For Bree Gilliam, art is more than a personal journey—it’s a shared experience. Through Paintphoria (paintphoria.com), she extends her creative passion to others, transforming the act of painting into an immersive and communal experience. More than a business, Paintphoria is a space where people can reconnect with their creativity, free from judgment or expectation.

Workshops, live events, and hands-on painting sessions bring people together, proving that art isn’t about technical mastery but about self-expression. Whether participants are picking up a brush for the first time or rediscovering their artistic voice, Paintphoria offers a place to create without constraints.

At its heart, the platform champions a simple yet powerful idea: the process of making art—experimenting, exploring, and embracing imperfections—is just as meaningful as the final piece. Bree’s vision is to make creativity accessible to all, proving that art is not exclusive, but essential.

Through Paintphoria, she is building more than a brand—she’s building a movement. A movement where art becomes a tool for connection, storytelling, and self-discovery.

The Future of Expression

As Bree Gilliam evolves as an artist and entrepreneur, she remains rooted in her mission—to create with intention, impact, and purpose. Through her paintings, community work, and Paintphoria, she invites others to engage, reflect, and connect. Her art is more than an aesthetic experience; it’s a conversation, an exploration, and an invitation to see the world differently.

Her advice to fellow creators is simple yet profound: Just make it exist.

“I saw a quote that stuck with me,” she shares. “‘Make it exist first. You can make it good later.’”

Creativity begins with action. The first step is bringing an idea to life in its rawest form—without overthinking, without waiting for perfection. Growth, refinement, and mastery come with time, experience, and relentless passion.

And if there’s one thing Bree Gilliam embodies, it’s passion.

To explore her work and be part of her creative journey, visit breegilliam.com and follow her evolution in art, community, and expression.

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