Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Patton.
Brooke, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in the bluegrass state of Kentucky where I lived with my family of four in a close-knit community of neighbors and friends. When we relocated to Texas for my father’s education I was just entering 1st grade. The loss of my familiar support group affected my self-esteem. I fell behind in school and gradually became introverted. In reflection, however, I now realize that this life changing experience was pivotal in shaping the artist within me. Art and art projects at home or school gave me pleasure and became a voice with which to express myself.
In high school, I again experienced significant support system changes as close friends and family moved away. I struggled with low self-esteem and had difficulty expressing myself verbally. My mother suggested that I take an art class. Truthfully, I am surprised I took her advice at this time, but this class became the beginning of my self-expression through art. I began to think that I might actually have artistic ability when others were seeking out my work. I am forever grateful that my mother gently led me in that direction.
Although my formal higher education focused on fashion design at the University of North Texas, my first love was always fine art. After graduating in 2004 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion industry. The exposure to a fast-paced city culture stimulated my creativity and my extroverted side re-emerged. I broke barriers I never thought possible. My creativity was noticed in a big city where there was endless competition. Doors began to open as I created original designs with textiles. During this period of time I put my painting aside and almost abandoned it completely.
After three challenging years in New York, I decided to move back to my hometown, Austin, Texas where I launched a custom bridal and formal wear design business out of my home. In 2014, during the pregnancy with my son, I experienced a creative “explosion” of color and creativity that evolved into the animal shape of a giraffe, one of my favorite animals from my childhood visits to the zoo. Little did I know that this moment would shape my art’s personal style for the next four years and perhaps, for years to come. This event marked the beginning of my signature mosaic style.
Before this time, I had mostly focused on painting with the medium of oil on canvas. However, something clicked when I tried acrylics. I fell in love with the quick dry time that allowed me the freedom to step away and come back to the piece quickly or later. It gave me the opportunity to completely paint over those areas that I was not connected to, and it allowed me to delicately outline colors and shapes within the art. Acrylics do not easily blend but they do allow more definition between stroke marks, color, and layers, so it was the perfect combination for my developing style.
I loved creating art pieces that pushed me to try new things on the canvas. My journey with the love of painting animals and floral subject matter has only just begun, but I cannot wait to share my new works of art with the world. My desire is to bring joy and a sense of peace to all its viewers.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Over the years my work has been comprised of a dance between the interchanging mediums of fabric and acrylic paint. My artwork embodies a playful and quirky expression of plant and animal forms in an abstract nature. Often times when I create floral pieces I am more focused on free-painting and getting life and color onto the canvas. My animal-related art may come from a spark of inspiration, a life event, or may even play homage to a certain animal. One of my early works (that hangs proudly in my parent’s home to this day) was that of Cecil the lion that was killed by a hunter on safari in Africa.
My work embodies still and peaceful elements countered with bold color to add an element of fire. The color palette is mostly consistent with my inner feelings. Sometimes this makes it difficult to define a piece. The color speaks to me and through me into the piece I am creating. Often, the piece takes a totally different direction from my original intent. I do enjoy giving each art piece a name that reflects these inner feelings. For example, I have pieces named “Happiness”, “Gravity”; and “Flight”.
The intricate, controlled and delicate lines that encompass the shapes and colors within my art are probably my favorite element in my work. These details create facets and fragments of color within my mosaic style.
My hope is that my art will evoke joy and happiness in the viewer. I want the vibrant colors to bring light into our world. For me, the process of painting is a bit arduous at times. Connecting to my work takes time and painting over the entire canvas requires that I step away until images start to slowly appear and take form.
I do struggle at times with the process because I am critical and want to see perfection in my work. However, I have also learned to embrace the ‘ugly’ stages and trust the process. At times, the connection to my art is immediate, and I find myself eager to work on a piece until it is finished. These moments define my passion and love for my work.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
One of the challenges that I personally face is that being an artist can be extremely lonely at times. I am a stay-at-home mom, which can lends itself to loneliness. To balance myself, I strive to embrace the loneliness, focusing and reflecting inwardly as I create my art using whatever means possible. Music, candles, diffusers, and a clean, organized space is a must! This gives me a sense of peace and serenity while I create.
My life’s work is putting myself out there, even when I have doubts within. I want my art to reflect my comfort and ease behind the canvas. That said, Austin has so many wonderful, artistic avenues that connect artists. From Galleries such as Cherry Cola Dog in East Austin that showcase artists’ work to the Artist driven EAST and WEST art tours held annually. My goal is to continue to put myself “out there” and take advantage of the opportunities Austin has to offer its art community.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently, my work can be seen on social media through Instagram, Facebook, as well as on my website www.brookepattonstudio.com. I am fortunate to work with an amazing local printing company SKYLINE ART PRINTS that make beautiful gallery-quality giclee prints. I have a small run of 12×16 giclee prints available for sale in a few boutiques and salons around the Austin area. I am currently supported by Austin businesses, such as UNDERWEAR boutique located at 12th and Lamar, VINK boutique located in Westlake off Bee Caves Road, and PURE SKIN SPA and BEAUTY LOUNGE located in South Austin off of Brodie Lane.
In the past, I have showcased my work in an amazing gallery in Buda, ASSEMBLAGE Contemporary Craftsman Gallery, as well as the YMCA downtown location in Austin. I look forward to working with both of these local establishments in the future.
The greatest way to support my work is to purchase my original works, as well as my prints large or small. Those who love my art can purchase, gift, and share my art with others on social media to show support. It emboldens me and provides me with a platform to keep creating and making my dream a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brookepattonstudio.com
- Email: brookeapatton@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/brookepattonstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brookepattonstudio
Image Credit:
@amymelsa
@SelfMade
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