Ocean Artisan Series — Bree Brooks
We’re kicking off a new initiative to highlight and support the amazing work of ocean-minded artists from around the world. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming our first OWO Ocean Artisan, Bree Brooks.
Bree Brooks grew up under the sun-drenched Hawaiian skies and has been traveling the world since she was nineteen years old. Having lived abroad and journeyed across Southeast Asia, Europe and the South Pacific, Bree’s vibrant hand painted works have been inspired by the various colors of the environments in which she has explored.
Although Bree’s work has been inspired by her travels, she has been practicing art in one form or another since she was a child.
Whilst working as a surf instructor in Sri Lanka, Bree suffered an injury and found herself stuck on dry land for many months. During that time she began experimenting with paints and creating images of surf breaks. It was during that time Bree’s injury became a blessing of sorts. People began to notice her work and request prints.
And so out of what initially seemed like a bit of bad luck, emerged the Bree Brooks we see today. Bree was able to transcend her injury by painting her way back to a peaceful place. It’s an important lesson for all of us in these uncertain times.
We Had A Chance To Sit Down With Bree And Learn A Bit More About What Makes Her Tick…
OWO: What came first, your love of art or the ocean?
Bree: Brooks I would say my love for the ocean and art were always sort of there simultaneously. I always had a great connection to the environment and art — eventually they began to intertwine.
OWO: When was the first time you really felt One With the Ocean?
Bree Brooks: I have always felt connected to my environment, viewing myself as equal to all beings and elements. And I always feel a special connection and energy whenever I am in the water.
OWO: What is it about the ocean that inspires you?
Bree Brooks: The ocean is one place that we can look out at the horizon and there is no end point…it stretches farther than your eyes can see. I feel like I can take some of the deepest breaths while I am out there. When I submerge into the sea all of the noise drowns out — it is the most meditative state I have ever experienced.
It inspires me to try to paint the peacefulness I feel out there on land, to hopefully spread that sort of feeling throughout peoples homes and make those places a place of calm as well.
OWO: Does anyone inspire your work?
Bree Brooks: No person really inspires my work, I get inspired by trying to spread a message about maintaining a peaceful environment. Developing a connection to the environment and promoting a sense of equality to the natural world.
OWO: What is your favorite place to paint?
Bree Brooks: My favourite place is anywhere up high overlooking nature. Whether it be the ocean or a sea of trees, just being above and getting that perspective of looking down.
OWO: What do you hope people take away from your art?
Bree Brooks: I hope people take away my messages of respecting and valuing our environment. I paint places I see without any sort of chaos. I paint as I want to see the world — quiet, peaceful and full of life.
You Can See More Of Bree’s Work On Her Website: www.Breebrooks.Com
Follow Her On Instagram @Breebrookz
EACH MONTH WE WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO A NEW OCEAN ARTISAN THAT IS INSPIRING OTHERS WITH THEIR OCEAN ARTWORK. AT THE END OF THE MONTH WE WILL RAFFLE OFF ONE OF THEIR DONATED PIECES TO HELP SUPPORT OWO INITIATIVES.
