Today we’d like to introduce you to Eryn Brooke.
Hi Eryn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an Austin artist originally from Waxahachie, Texas and have been creating art in some form or fashion my entire life, constantly finding new ways and new mediums to express my ideas. Second, to art, traveling is another one of my passions. When I became pregnant with twins, my ability to travel came to an unexpected halt. At this time began to experiment with mixed media collages. I used art as a way to travel outside of my physical location and create a magical place to express new emotions and to find strength. This became my therapy, my escape to help me feel more like myself, which in turn helped me to be a better mother and a better human being. After feeling the effects of my art, there was no turning back. I started to share my new creations with friends and word quickly spread. Soon I started receiving requests and emails for commissioned pieces from as far as Brussels to as close as three blocks away from my Austin home. Most recently, my art has been picked up by feminist groups to help express their mission and use it as part of their own voice. I carries an overwhelming sense of pride generated by the strength and vulnerability of women and the extreme power created when they rise together. I truly believe that my work is the manifestation of those thoughts and feelings stirring Inside. I worked in modern mixed media, but my work spreads through different textures of cross film, costume, photography, and collage. Mixed media collage has allowed me to have a place in my home with my four boys and to continue to create magical places anyone can get lost in.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not! It has been a challenge for many reasons. Creating art has never been an issue for me but promoting, selling, making it a business I find very difficult. Trying to find space in my mind and heart for family and art seems doable, but I find monetizing art to very difficult and a skill set I do not possess and have to work really hard for. The other side of the coin is my husband is a touring musician and prior to covid spent over half the year touring. The balance of mental and emotional space for my four boys and creativity can be a juggle. I promised myself to keep the art genuine it had to come from the right space, which I am continually working to balance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I paint, I photograph, I collage. I honestly never know what’s going to happen till I sit down in my mess of paints, photos, scissors, fabric and vintage books. This rest… I call my art therapy. Sometimes I am very aware when I create a feeling I am working through or wanting to create. Other times it’s like I wake up from a meditation state and it’s there. As far as what sets me apart from others… I try really hard not to compare myself as a mom or as an artist to others. I find art as its own intrigue not to be compared because it comes from within. I’m most proud that I get to raise my children and create art. That in itself is a gift. The fact that other people love and want it feels humbling and magical all at once. One interesting fact about myself and my work. As you can see in a lot of my art, I find myself most inspired and creative near and a full moon, which finds itself in many of my works!
Contact Info:
- Email: erynact@yahoo.com
- Website: www.erynbrooke.com/
- Instagram: erynbrooke
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