A Life in Art: Brennan Hubbell
Special credit goes to Kaya G., a junior from High Tech High, Chula Vista, who was our office intern in May 2024. She interviewed Brennan and co-wrote this blog during her internship.
For Brennan Hubbell, there has always been an organic connection between art and life. A father of two, he brings his kids into the studio, where they make art alongside him— just as he did with his artist father as a boy. Being at Space 4 Art, where Brennan has been a resident artist for 12 years, feels like an extension of that bond.
“It has felt natural and supportive to be around other creatives and people making things,” Brennan explained. “Here at Space 4 Art, you never know what obscure topic of conversation will pop up when passing someone in the hallway.”
Brennan’s artistic career began doing chores for his dad, James Hubbell, an innovative artist who died in May at 92. “I just observed and had small jobs,” said Brennan. “I wasn’t doing the art, but I was cleaning rocks or trying to earn some money from my Dad, just like any kid.”
Brennan Hubbell works in the Space 4 Art wood shop. PC Stacy Keck
Learning Art
After high school in Julian, where he was raised, Brennan attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts. “It’s not known for its art program, but it’s a small, nice program. It’s known for its liberal arts program which appealed to me because it allowed me to have really good classes in other subjects, too. Creative writing and film making easily could have been my major, as well,” Brennan explained. Upon graduation, Brennan moved back to San Diego and kept taking classes at community college. “They weren’t towards any specific major; they were just subjects I wanted to explore.”
A teaching artist, Brennan is a key member of Space 4 Art’s educational outreach program, instructing K-8 students in a variety of artistic media. He helps the kids understand the possibilities of using different materials and media, from cardboard to printmaking to drawing. Recently, after teaching a perspective class at Audubon K-8, he highlighted how impressed he was with the students’ focus and passion for the art.
For Brennan, teaching is a tool to better understand his own artistic practice. Students are constantly inspiring him with their creativity and their way of just being themselves. “Sometimes I get an inclination to try out an idea or concept with a class. I explain the concept, show them an example, and right away they are taking the idea in their own direction. It is eye opening.”
Brennan and some students hold up recent creations during Spring 2024 art classes at Audubon K-8 School.
Artistic Heritage
Like his father, Brennan works with several different mediums. “Listening to the material, experimenting with it, and seeing what it does is a core belief of both of ours.” Just one look at his website shows the various materials he’s worked with. Brennan’s art pieces include mosaics, sculptures, drawings, and wood. “It’s just fun to try something new, to approach something like, ‘Oh, I’ve never done that before, but I can do that.’”
Projects in a variety of mediums are displayed in Brennan’s studio. PC Stacy Keck.
Brennan enjoys experimenting with new materials and seeing where the possibilities could take him. When asked which is his favorite material Brennan says, “I often feel like I want to work with wood, but I don’t do it that often. And then it is the combining of material— the interaction between wood and iron, for example —that is usually what intrigues me.”
He also enjoys sharing his studio with two other artists, Elijah Rubottom and Meghan Augustine. Not only does sharing make art-making more affordable for the three of them, but it also allows Brennan the opportunity to see their work in the studio.
Brennan’s area of his shared studio at Space 4 Art. PC Stacy Keck.
Beyond Art
When he isn’t working on art, Brennan enjoys being out in nature and exploring. He notes his love for the outdoors— hiking, surfing, and camping —and his gravitation towards and study of music. “I do enjoy music and dance, especially Brazilian.” Brennan also has two teenage children, with whom he enjoys sharing his love for art and bringing to Space 4 Art as often as possible.
Viewing Brennan’s Work
From statues to mosaics, Brennan’s art is visible throughout San Diego in places such as the Manzanita Gathering Place, Saint Paul’s Methodist Church in Coronado, or the First United Universalist Church in Hillcrest.
You can also find photo galleries of his work on his website at hubbellcraft.com, and follow him on Instagram @hubbellbrennan. And, of course, his work is always free to see during any of the Space 4 Art Open Studio events.