Meet Valerie Breshears of Bedford County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Breshears

Hi Valerie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been an artist since childhood, staying up late coloring before eventually moving on to painting. I’m completely self-taught, with only one college art class, and I love experimenting with different styles. My work is known for my signature “swirlies,” and I have a deep love for bright colors. I draw inspiration from Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Ernie Pepion, Pop Art, Expressionism, Abstract, and Surrealism.

In addition to painting, I create hemp jewelry with real four-leaf clovers and unique beads, cross-stitch, embroider, and design cards and accessories. I also have a line of enamel pins.

As an award-winning artist, I’m always out in the community, participating in events, shows, and public appearances. I’m constantly looking for new opportunities and joining as many organizations as I can to grow and share my work.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve faced plenty of challenges on my artistic journey, both personal and professional.

Health Struggles: Living with chronic pain from scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, neuropathy, arthritis, and other conditions makes creating art physically difficult. Nerve damage in my hands and knee adds another challenge, making fine detail work harder. Chronic nausea and migraines also interfere with my ability to focus and create.

Mental Health Battles: I live with Bipolar Disorder with Psychosis, Anxiety Disorder, and CPTSD, which means navigating creative blocks, energy fluctuations, and the emotional toll of my conditions. I also suspect I may have ADHD and/or Autism, which brings both strengths and struggles in staying organized, motivated, and balancing sensory input.

Being Self-Taught: Without formal training, I’ve had to teach myself everything from technique to business skills. While this gives me complete creative freedom, it also means learning through trial and error and constantly pushing myself to improve without a structured path.

Building Recognition: As an independent artist, I’ve worked hard to gain visibility, get into shows, and establish myself in the art world. I’ve put in the effort to attend events, join organizations, and promote my work to make sure it gets seen.

Balancing Art and Life: Juggling my art career, health, and personal responsibilities—including being a parent—means I’ve had to learn time management and prioritize what matters most.

Despite all these challenges, I’ve pushed through and built an incredible artistic career. My dedication, resilience, and passion for my work have helped me thrive, win awards, and

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as an artist—building my career from scratch, winning awards, and getting my work into shows, shops, and events across the state. What sets me apart is my resilience, my ability to adapt and experiment, and the unique mix of techniques I’ve developed over time. My art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about emotion, movement, and storytelling, all wrapped in vibrant colors and intricate details.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There’s so much I could share about my journey as an artist!

My Personal Journey & Inspiration

How It All Started: I’ve been creating since childhood, staying up late coloring before eventually moving on to painting. Those quiet moments with my art shaped my love for creativity.

Why I Create: Art is more than just making something beautiful—it’s my way of expressing emotions, telling stories, and bringing a little more color and whimsy into the world.

My Favorite Pieces: Some of my works hold deep personal meaning. Whether it’s a painting inspired by a special memory or a piece that pushed me artistically, every creation has a story behind it.

My Creative Process & Techniques

How I Work: I love experimenting, and my process is very intuitive. I let the colors and shapes guide me, especially when creating my signature “swirlies.”

Favorite Materials & Tools: I enjoy working with bright, bold paints and unique textures. I also love incorporating real four-leaf clovers into my jewelry, giving each piece a bit of natural magic.

Adapting to Challenges: Living with chronic pain and nerve damage means I’ve had to adjust how I create. Some days are harder than others, but I always find a way to keep going—whether that means taking breaks, changing my approach, or finding new ways to bring my ideas to life.

My Artistic Community & Experiences

Memorable Events & Shows: I’ve been fortunate to showcase my work at so many events and shows, each one giving me a chance to connect with people who love art as much as I do. Some of my favorite moments come from seeing people’s reactions to my work and hearing how it speaks to them.

Meeting Other Artists: I’ve met some incredible artists and makers along the way, and being part of a creative community keeps me inspired.

Advice for Aspiring Artists: If I could tell other artists one thing, it would be to keep experimenting and creating in a way that feels true to them. Art isn’t about following rules—it’s about exploring, growing, and finding your own unique voice.

My Business & Future Goals

Where to Find My Work: My art is available in shops, at events, and online. I love connecting with people through my work, whether it’s at a market, in a gallery, or on social media.

New Projects & Experimentation: I’m always trying new things, whether it’s a different painting style, a new jewelry design, or expanding my collection of enamel pins. I love pushing myself creatively.

Long-Term Goals: I want to continue growing as an artist, sharing my work with more people, and taking on new opportunities. I’m constantly looking for ways to expand, whether it’s through collaborations, larger events, or new mediums.

I love what I do, and I’m excited to keep creating, evolving, and sharing my art with the world!

Pricing:

• 14×11 $35
• 8×10 $25
• Necklaces $15
• Earrings $8
• Salves $12

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernweh.treasures
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fernwehtreasures
• Other: https://Fernwehtreasures.bsky.social