About Me
Brian Kasstle, I am an artist & visual/art journaler. Welcome to my blog!
I was raised in Montana amongst the mountains, trees, streams and rivers which gave me a love of nature. From my father I received an appreciation for all things vintage, rusty, and old, and to be artistic. My mother developed my love of nature and gardening. I began my art studies in college in Montana.
I moved to Southern California and I have continued my art studies. It was not until I found art journaling that my art blossomed and I truly deeply felt I was an artist. I am passionate about sharing art journaling and helping others to develop as artists. I love vintage papers, paint and ink. I live with my partner Ed and three Maine Coon cats, Hank, Tyler Christopher and Melrose. Our cats love to sit upon my journal and feel the love as it pours out of it.
I am primarily a visual journaler. I am trying to incorporate words more into my pages and spreads. I tend to think of my journals as “the story of my life.” I hope you enjoy my blog and my journals.
To contact me email me at bkasstle@aol.com.
Brian Kasstle's Blog 
Patientlly anticipating…XOXOrly
It’s so stunning here, dying to start visiting frequently.
Hi Brian, is there a way to contact you privately? I’m a friend of Kristin from Twinkle, Twinkle on blogger. We’ve got an idea going, and I’d like to talk about you joining in. Thanks ♥
Good day, I’m new to scrap booking and don’t know many guys that do. Actually, I don’t know any. I have a Cricut machine now and I’m learning how to use SCAL. I can you any feedback and hints you can assist with. I’m not that artistic but enjoy what I’ve done so far.
Christopher
Well I’m a guy that intends to start as soon as I’ve settled in from moving, but I know what you mean I don’t know any either lol!
Gentlemen, there are more male art journaler’s than you think. Look on my sidebar. Terry Garrett, John Arbuckle, Tracy V. Moore.
thanks for visiting my blog brian,
and yes miss molly is a 8 month maine coon,
my first experience with the breed and i am in love! she is a wonderful addition to our family
(beanie(a girl) is almost 2 and joey(a girl)is 13)
p.s. love the grunge paper work!!
I just love your freedom and the way you just get on with your journal. It is so nice to see a male do such inspiring things. It has encouraged me as men have often just said how childish and playful the experience is and that has lead to negative voices in my head when I want to play with my journals. I have had a year from hell and my journals are what hold me together a thread of creativity. Thank you for your blog!
So – You’re from Montana! I left a comment on your calendar page post because I liked them, and now I’m leaving a note here because I’m still interested in why I would be getting visits from your old site. I’m not upset Brian, just wondering how come is all. I don’t get a lot of traffic from other blogs, mostly Google and Yahoo…
Brian, I have enjoyed your work for sometime- your rolledex collage really blew me away. It’s so wonderful see see a man’s work- Seth and I have talked about the lack of men in this visual journaling/mixed media world. I am a collage artist and a visual journaler and mixed media bookmaker- My partner Ron and I live in the woods in Northern Minnesota- we celebrate our 35th anniversary at the end of this month. I loved your Why Fear my Marriage piece- Minnesota has been taken over by the republicans and they got their way and they are getting an amendment to our state constitution to forever ban gay marriage on the ballot.
I didn’t realize there’s another “man in the house” over at artsee bloggers – thanks so much for joining! Love the rolodex journal!
[…] Visit Brian Kasstle on his blog, A Paper Bear, to learn more about him. […]
hey Brian, loved your interview with Dawn on CMM and went over to tumblr to check out the artwork. Love the energy! So glad to have found you and your work
Great blog, and thanks for adding me to your blog roll! I love all your artwork…Can’t wait to see more!
Joe told me about your blog and I really have just began to look at it but think it’s a very nice blog. I currently have been showcasing men crafters! And how much their like a hidden gem. Will be adding your blof to my men craft to blog section! Now also a follower.
Happy to find you. Your journal spreads are great. My hubby and I have been talking about how there ought to be more men out there showing their journal style art and talking about the process… we’re both artists and enamored with the web and all of the art sharing that happens. again, thanks for sharing you.
I just found your blog and it’s a marvelous place to explore! I’m not done yet – there’s sooo much inspiration here! I guess I will hang around for another hour or so 😉
Hello Brian! I am thrilled to have tripped over your blog today! So few men are public about their art…my hubby and I art together and near each other most of the time, and we don’t run into very much “male” art. My stuff gets a bit cutesy for him at times 🙂 I will be dragging him over here later on this evening. I have already found much inspiration here, I also have a HUGE love of all things vintage and paper.
xoxo MotherDana
Brian, I’m an avid art journaler and collage artist – I love your work. Best, Kartika
Hi Brian- took me a long time to figure out where to leave a comment. Thanks for a chance to win Orly’s new book although I just ordered a copy for myself.
thanks for stopping by and always reading! love your paintings – all the best Tanja
Brian, It was great seeing the face behind the fabulous art and getting to know a little bit about you. Although I do miss some things about the city, I agree with you that it is nice to be surrounded by all the wonderful things nature has to offer.
🙂 Chris / CS Designs
I am so happy to find you – I was beginning to think I was the only man interested in Art Journals!
Enjoyed seeing your work and seeing what you did with Jill’s stencil’s. I really want to use them with a ton of color and molding paste to start… what I feel will tell me where I go from there.
Oh Oh OH – three Maine Coons!?!? I have five “normal” cats and have always wanted a Maine Coon – they are so beautiful ~~