Young Noxon artist finds inspiration close to home

Brianna Horner, a 17-year-old junior at Noxon High School, is quickly earning recognition as one of the school’s rising young artists. For several years she has studied art under teacher Jessica Novak, developing a wide range of skills across multiple mediums.

Creativity runs in Brianna’s family. Her father works in construction and enjoys woodworking, while her older sister is completing an architecture degree at Montana State University. Brianna also credits a neighbor, “Grandma Jo,” now deceased, as a major influence. Jo volunteered each week to teach art to third-grade students at Noxon School. She encouraged creativity by emphasizing the importance of making things, “jumping in,” and getting projects done. Brianna says those lessons still guides her work today. Indeed, she needs to complete a unique piece of art almost every day.

A versatile artist, Brianna experiments with acrylic and watercolor painting, pottery, photography, fabric, and even woodworking. She has exhibited her work in several categories through 4-H competitions. Among the various art forms, she especially enjoys ceramics, where experimenting with glazes can lead to surprising results. She keeps a notebook of glaze recipes to track combinations she likes.

The art she brought to our interview reflected that diversity, from finely turned small pieces of wood to a photographic triptych; from a free-flowing, highly glazed bowl to a playful colored pencil sketch of an eye. A strand of whimsy runs through her art.

Brianna encourages other young artists to create without worrying about perfection. “It doesn’t matter how good you are,” she says. “Art can be anything.”

Looking ahead, Brianna is considering a future in business marketing that would combine graphic art and advertising. She recently placed high in a statewide competition sponsored by Business Professionals of America.

Asked for her favorite creation, she answers, “I like them all—for different reasons.”

    Artwork by Brianna Horner.
  

    Artwork by Brianna Horner.
  

    Artwork by Brianna Horner.
  

    Artwork by Brianna Horner.