Let us introduce you to the 2025 Duluth Homegrown t-shirt artist Bret Holland (aka Dirtbike Boyfriend)
How did you get involved in the arts?
My grandma, who looked a lot like Ozzy Osbourne, used to have my brother, her, and myself play a game where we would pass a notepad around, drawing a story or a scene bit by bit, usually while MTV or VH1 played on the TV. Since then, I’ve more or less drawn a doodle on every piece of paper I get my hands on. I got involved in the Duluth art community first by attending shows at Blush and basements around the hillside during college. A classmate told me I should share my doodles online, and friends from shows encouraged me to do more. It’s pretty much just grown from there, but the biggest connections have come from the internet and just boldly introducing myself to strangers.
Who are the artists that you admire?
In terms of visual artists: Bjenny Montero, David Shrigley, Javier Mayoral… there’s a person named Eamonn Kreitzer who I’ve bought a lot of clothes from who I think is a genius.
I play music too, so: Pat The Bunny, Conor Oberst, David Dondero
Where can people find your art and more about you?
For the most part I’m on Instagram and whatever other social media platforms as @dirtbikeboyfriend. A website, dirtbikeboyfriend.com, does exist but is poorly managed. My music is on all streaming platforms, and bandcamp.
What is the greatest accomplishment so far in your career?
I think my absolute proudest moment is still seeing the crowd and hearing the dollar amount that we raised at the 2022 ‘Shout! for Reproductive Rights’ show in the Chester skate park after Roe v. Wade was overturned. For that show, I designed the poster, performed, and brought materials for folks to make protest signs. After like 6 bands played, we joined a large protest downtown. That’s the most I’ve ever felt a part of a community.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those starting off in the art world?
I say just do art. Do the form of art that makes you happy or helps you make sense of things. When you’re comfortable, show people your art. A lot of people won’t respond how you want them to, but you’ll meet so many people who really appreciate what you have to say if you speak from the heart.
