Artist Series, New Orleans: Bruna PĆ©talla
New Orleans-based lettering artist and muralist Bruna PĆ©talla is known for her love of her city, a place she describes as āmagical.ā This passion for the vibrancy and culture she finds in her communityāthe live music, art, food, and kindnessāaligns with Psycho Bunnyās approach to self-expression, which made PĆ©talla the ideal creative to work on the Artist Series. You can see Bruna PĆ©tallaās artwork, āThe Window to the Bayou,ā in-store at Lakeside, New Orleans. A Brazilian transplant, PĆ©talla realized she wanted to be a professional artist after she painted her first mural. āIt all started when the city of New Orleans lost its magic during the COVID pandemic lockdown. The entire city was boarded up and all the lively energy was gone,ā she explains. āThatās when me and other artists started painting murals on the boarded store fronts around the city. It was a way to bring back the smiles to all of us during those tough times.ā She couldnāt return to a life without creativity and subsequently decided to pursue a career as a muralist and lettering artist.
Her intriguing style is an organic amalgamation of her Brazilian roots and a healthy dose of the unique and rich New Orleans spice. Bright colors and bold shapes are expertly intertwined in her work, resulting in an aesthetic that is meant to evoke both visual and emotional joy.
Working with Psycho Bunny for the Artist Series gave PĆ©talla the freedom to be even brighter and bolder than usual. āIn a city with an abundance of self-expression, I really wanted to bring the energy I get from New Orleansā people to the brand by means of the magical local fauna and flora. I want to show the world New Orleans through my eyes,ā she muses.
Bruna PĆ©tallaās artwork for Psycho Bunnyās Artist Series, āThe Window to the Bayou,ā uses elements that are very characteristic to the bayou people. The lines represent the surrounding water, including the Mississippi River and the small bayous. The leaves and plants are modeled after the rich flora in the Lafitteās National Park and the backyards of New Orleans natives, where youāll most certainly always find a banana tree. The crawfish and the crane bring balance to the ecosystem, making them important to the region. The bright colors and aesthetic are representative of how she views the festive souls that inhabit New Orleans.
Her connection to the city of New Orleans is one that is emotional and runs deep. āItās a joyful city, everything here is inspirational, from the people and the food to the architecture and natureāand, of course, the music and soul. All these things inspire me and I distill them into colors and shapes that express the feelings my city makes me feel.ā
Asked about why she wanted to join forces with Psycho Bunny for the Artist Series, PĆ©talla explained, āself-expression, the acceptance that I can be whoever I want to be. Psycho Bunny is a brand that fits with the New Orleans spirit. And I appreciate when brands work with local artists to create magic.ā
Her creative process is one that is based in values and finding a common thread to weave upon. āI look for the values we have in common, and how that connects with the creative direction for the piece, then, I just have fun with it.ā
If PĆ©talla had to summarize self-expression in three words, it would be, āempowering, acceptance, and freedom.ā She continues to explain itās important, āself-expression shows the truth of our minds, allows others to know who you are, and also inspires others to find themselves.ā
