Brent Harris – Tender
Artist Statement
Brent Harris (Tender) (All pronouns welcome) Tender is a wilderness rites of passage guide, artist, educator, and death doula whose passion lies helping others reconnect to their creative potential, weave new stories of their inner and outer world, and learn what it means to compost what needs dying. Through a practice of nature-based reflection, art making, ceremony, and mentoring , Tender supports groups and individuals on their journey crossing life’s thresholds—whether of identity, purpose, or mortality. His guidance cultivates presence, soulful creativity, and a renewed sense of belonging within the living world. Tender guides at Wild Mountain and serves on their stewardship council. He is currently Head of 3D media at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and a sculpture instructor where his teaching explores the intersection of material, imagination, and transformation. Procession 2025 willow branches, dyed plaster gauze, salt “Our body is the vessel for the soul. We carry the soul in our fragile bodies allowing it to experience our physical world.. Procession attempts to envision our soul’s journey to its final crossing. And to celebrate that this sacred journey is never one made alone”
Venues
