April, 2026
Featured Artist

I currently work with individuals who have been impacted by trauma: mental and/or physical. Many of my students live with a diagnosis. They are not defined by such. Aside from private clients, I facilitate transformation through the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara. I participate adjunctly with the William James Association, an organization serving both the incarcerated and previously incarcerated.

A former professor of art, art history and graphic design, I am now more humbled by the talent I currently discover. I don’t consider them to be “outliers.” I often see superior talent and more creative content than most students I had at the university.

Much of my own work is influenced by or in reaction to the artists I work with. It is also directly approached through an investigation of their work with sketches I am constantly doing during the time spent together. I bring ongoing work from my studio and encourage them to directly collaborate with me. It may just be a line they turn on my canvas or the contribution of a theme or character. The work on the wall is in reaction to art I collect from a artists representing the most diverse demographic I have ever taught, along with my own concepts and funky style (considered the Mission School). The process is exciting, humbling and gratifying.

— Brendan Murdock

Instagram: @murdock.brendan