Brooke Churchill did not start out drawing animals. A fine artist known in art circles around the world, Brooke focused mainly on modern abstract expressionist pieces and turned to colored pencil illustrations for fun. But then something funny happened: everyone wanted one of her whimsical mosaic portraits, and suddenly Brooke was being featured in “New York Magazine” and appearing on CBS news. We sat down with Brooke to find out what gets her artistic juices flowing.
1. What inspires you?
As an artist, I am inspired to organize the chaos of life into a concise language: the language of imagery. It is to be interpreted by both the viewer and the creator. In my fine art, I strive to give a voice to the unspoken. The images that come to be on my canvases are often expressions from the unconscious. In my whimsical style, I am inspired by intuitive play.
2. What are the origins of your well-known “pet” art?
My illustrative style originally came from just allowing myself to play with materials while not trying to make anything in particular. To date, it has evolved in many ways. One of the products of that evolution is the pet portraits and special projects I am asked to do in my Signature Mosaic Technique. People really seem to enjoy how I capture their beloved four-legged friends in these bright, happy, and whimsical illustrations.
3. Who are your It Girls (women you admire)?
Hands down my sister Ashley. I simply like to refer to her as “perfect.” She would definitely disagree and defer to my fabulous brother-in-law.
4. What are your It Girl picks-- the cosmetics or other products you couldn’t live without?
There are three on my must list: Propolis (by Herb Pharm, bee-harvested tree resin, liquid form) to ward off a cold before it even gets started-- I hate getting sick. Neosporin is a must-have for a swimmer who is in the water a lot. Dermalogica foundation makes me look great and none of my friends think I wear foundation. They don’t believe me when I tell them I do!
5. Any guilty pleasures?
Margaritas, chips, salsa, guacamole, and quite frankly anything one could call an hors d’oeuvre!! I am a true California girl when it comes to my Mexican food.
6. What’s next for you and your art?
Fine art: I am working on a series for a show in Brooklyn. Signature Mosaic Technique: I am working on so much! I am developing several image stories (ie jungle animals) to license out for some projects I have in mind for children.
7. Do you have any pets?
I have seven legs of cat-- Paloma has four legs and Tigger has three legs. Both were rescued from Kitty Kind at PetCo Union Square.
8. If you could be any kitchen utensil, what would you be and why?
A scraper for sure. It gets every last drop out of the bowl and that is how I like to live life. I am very curious!
9. What’s the sassiest thing you’ve ever done?
I posed nude for Chuck Close and Eric Fischl. I love these artists. It was an honor and some might think sort of sassy!
10. If you could trade places with anyone for a week, with whom would it be, and why?
The Dalai Lama....I would love to see clearly they way he does...of course that would mean feeling quite a lot of pain too.
For more information on Brooke’s work, visit www.brookechurchill.com.
Next: Imogen Lloyd Webber, the single girl’s hero.
2 Comments
I thouroughly enjoyed the question/answer commentary. Hope you have lots of follow-up on this Artist Extrodionarre.
What wonderful art work this young lady emits, a breath of fresh air with her artistry.
Congratulations, Sassy