Issue 1 Artist Spotlight | Brooke Ebeling
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Brooke!
BE: I am a full-time artist currently residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! When I’m not painting in my studio, I’m usually reading, playing games, or watching movies with my partner and our Beabull pup. Something that people who know me as an artist may not know about me is that I LOVE analyzing movies/tv shows/comics. I used to obsessively watch any piece of media I could get my hands on (long before Netflix and “bingeing” were a thing!). I could talk to someone for hours about plotlines, actors, the history of the programs, and more. If you need a partner for pop culture trivia, I’m your girl!
C+B: What is one quote that inspires you or informs your work?
BE: “Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that's why I made works of art.” - Felix Gonzales-Torres
While I don’t typically look to his work for inspiration as a painter, this quote has stuck with me since the first time I heard it all the way back in undergrad. I love the idea that our artwork does not need to be tied to one specific feeling or emotion. We create because we exist, and our artwork is our interpretation of all our experiences in this world, good, bad, funny, or sad.
Ideal creative retreat: Somewhere coastal with lots of beautiful local foliage! I’ve always been a beach bum and find that salt air and warm sun does wonders for my creative motivation! I’d love to be in a place that encourages artist collaboration as we all work towards strengthening our practices! Somewhere with good food, good company, and a beautiful environment for creating!
Currently inspired by: Artists who push their medium past the traditional techniques and subjects. I love artwork that tries to relate to the viewer in ways outside of just appreciation of technical skill. With that being said, I’ve been really enjoying Mark Tennant (@marktennantart), Dayris Felix (@dayrisfelix), Clare Kim (@clarekimart), Mary Kate Noonan (@mk.noonan.art), Ally Pedemonti (@allydoesart), and Sarah Stieber (@sarahstieber).
Same Shit Different Day, 24” x 36,” oil on stretched canvas
(Original artwork ©Brooke Ebeling)
C+B: What other creative outlets do you enjoy or want to try?
BE: This summer I’ve been teaching a lot of printmaking summer camps for children, and have been super inspired by what we’re learning! I love woodcuts and relief printmaking and think that would be an amazing outlet to pursue. I also collect mugs, and would love to someday own a pottery wheel so I could learn how to throw some mugs of my own! I love painting, but because it is my profession, I’m often not creating just for the sake of creating. I’d like to start learning some new mediums so I can give my creative practice some “play time!”
Brooke Ebeling
