“Brandon Vessels, born in 1989 in the small town of Pinson Alabama. Brandon has overcome numerous challenges and embarked on a transformative journey. At the age of nine, Brandon’s life took a difficult turn when he experienced the trauma of sexual abuse, and being abandoned by his mother.
Despite these hardships, Brandon’s innate artistic spirit flourished. Throughout his school years he immersed himself in art, participating in various classes, winning art competitions, and showcasing his talent in juried art shows. In his senior year, Brandon’s creative skills were recognized when he won a statewide art competition for his sculpture made of recycled materials.
Academically, Brandon didn’t find school entertaining and often found himself doodling during tests. Graduating near the bottom of his class, he felt uncertain about his future opportunities. In search of an escape from the monotony of his small town, he joined the military with a hopeful outlook. By the age of 19, he became a military police officer in the Army, which brought a renewed sense of purpose.
However, the realities of his decisions came crashing down when he was deployed and celebrated his 21st birthday in the Middle East. This experience proved to be eye-opening and profoundly affected Brandon. Tragically, some of his fellow soldiers struggled with reintegration and took their own lives. Brandon himself faced significant mental and physical challenges upon returning home, ultimately leading to a medical retirement due to a heart condition related to his service. At just 23 years old, he received the devastating news that he would require open-heart surgery in the near future.
During the following four years, Brandon battled depression, gaining over 130 pounds. One day, he experienced a moment of clarity and decided to embark on a life-changing journey. Armed with only $300, he packed a backpack and set off on a cross-country adventure. With his retirement income barely covering his monthly expenses, he traversed from Alabama to California in just seven days relying on Greyhound buses and hitchhiking. He then utilized his military benefits to hop a cargo plane to Hawaii, spending nine months exploring three of its main islands. This period marked a profound transformation for Brandon, as he fell in love with the ocean. He shed 60 pounds and regained mental clarity, rediscovering the beauty in life.
Brandon’s subsequent years have been dedicated to travel, art, laughter, and personal healing. He committed himself to making a positive impact on our oceans, regularly participating in local reef cleanup and engaging in various conservation efforts. It was during a scuba diving trip to the Vandenberg in Key West 2018 that he fell in love with the town and its people. In his first week there, he showcased his artwork as the featured artist at a gallery on Duval Street and the rest is history.
Vessels’ artistic journey intertwines with his role as a devoted father. His eldest son, Kai, now four years old, has brought immeasurable joy into his life. Kai’s birth presented a unique challenge, as he was born with Gastroschisis, a rare condition where his intestines and liver developed outside his body. Through the skillful hands of medical professionals, Kai underwent surgery shortly after birth and has since thrived, embracing a healthy and vibrant childhood without complications.
Alongside Kai, Brandon celebrates his youngest son, Koah, who is now two years old. Their bond strengthens each day, fueling Vessels’ artistic expression with a profound love, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life. As Brandon embraces his role as a father, he finds immeasurable fulfillment and inspiration in nurturing the growth and happiness of his sons. The joy they bring fuels his artistic endeavors, infusing his creations with a unique depth of emotion and a reflection of the love that fills his heart. With his sons by his side, Vessels eagerly embraces the journey of fatherhood, cherishing every moment and using his experiences as a wellspring of creativity, love, and personal growth.
Now at the age of 34, Brandon continues to thrive, always seeking new adventures and opportunities to inspire others through his art and dedication to ocean conservation.”
Key West Art 