Meet Our Makers
Bramble and Burr was designed to relish and share in natural wonders hand crafted by local women, creators, and joyful souls. Many of the products you’ll find here are made from ways of the past that honor creativity and tradition. Every item at Bramble and Burr is as special as the people who create them.
Nina
Vienne
Nina's journey as an artist was nurtured by a childhood immersed in nature's wonders, a tale she shares with warmth and humility. Raised without the distraction of television, Nina's childhood was a canvas for her imagination, where she crafted beauty from the treasures of the earth.
As a young artist, Nina embarked on a journey of exploration, traveling far and wide to hone her craft and immerse herself in the rich tapestry of artistic expression. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she delved into the world of herbalism and science, forging a deep connection with the healing powers of plants and the natural world.
Despite the challenges, she faced as a single mother raising two sons and her present challenge of caring for her elderly Mother. Nina's passion for art remains unwavering. She pursued her education at Viterbo University, where her talent flourished, earning her accolades and honors.
Vienne is the owner of Bramble and Burr. She has spent the past 35 years working as a freelance artist and artisan, advertising and marketing editor, muralist, and cloak-maker. Vienne pursued her BFA degree in art at the University of South Dakota in the mid-eighties with a focus on sculpture, painting, and history. She returned to school at the University of Minnesota in 1998 and again in 2013 to further her education in art, focusing on printmaking and history. While at the University of Minnesota, Vienne interned at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, curated art events at The Landmark Gallery in St. Paul, and took part in the St. Paul Art Crawl. She lives with her husband Grant and four of six children on the bluffs above Wabasha at her family’s organic farm, Surly Owl Farm.
