William “Bill” Brien, is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota. He is also from the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and resides in Bismarck. Bill graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in history, and a minor in both philosophy and geography.

Extremely talented and self-taught, Bill calls himself “a digital cell phone artist.” His chosen medium is digital; using his cell phone as his canvas to create his work. The process allows Bill to capture a creative idea at the moment of inspiration.

Bill’s art is influenced by his life experiences, and his work is a combination of his rich Indigenous heritage and lineage - Lakota, Dakota, Chippewa and Métis roots.

Bill discovered his love of art after his wife, Geri, was diagnosed with breast cancer (2014). She fought breast cancer with courage, hope and love. Although Geri lost her cancer battle, Bill’s dedication to her and her strength, has become the most significant inspiration in his work today.