Brooke Connor

BA Studio Art

Much of my work stems from my collections and a passion for the natural world. Initially I was drawn to rocks, their physical beauty, and the act of collecting. Later, I learned about the science and qualities of these common objects: what is their composition, where are they found, how were they formed. Each discovery leads to more questions. My collecting now includes bones as well. It started with an unidentified jawbone found in the woods. My family and I then found a 1920’s comparative anatomy book to help solve the mystery. After identifying the now known fox jaw, I was hooked. I now collect nature illustration books and enjoy using these as references for my illustrative and sculptural pieces. 

For me, art is the process of creating and inspiring intrigue. I primarily use ceramics, watercolor, and acrylic to explore my concepts, preferring realistic interpretations with stylistic elements. I often find drawing more successful in rendering these topics but find the process of ceramic making more satisfying and involved. I actively engage myself in all steps of the process selecting and mixing the clay, creating the glaze, and following the project through all steps of the firing process. Dependent on the choices made during all steps, similar projects can turn out entirely different. This discovery and experimentation greatly intrigue me and inspires parts of my creative process. My work often starts with inspiration from the world around me. I find information or parts of the natural world that draw my interest and drive me to create similar forms. Based on the piece and the inspiration that I derive from the item; I choose a medium that I feel best represents the creature or object. This is often based upon the detail the piece requires, such as ceramics for more representative or to-scale forms or watercolor for accurate, minimized depictions. 

It is always meant to inspire those who view it with a sense of wonder and intrigue. I hope that those who interact with my work leave their viewing with a greater understanding of the natural world and a curiosity for my subjects.