Conversations with Brooke Wade

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Wade.

Hi Brooke, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a watercolor and mixed media artist born in Nashville and raised in middle Tennessee. I graduated with a B.L.A. from Middle Tennessee State University in 2006.

My work is heavily influenced by a deep spiritual passion for nature and often features a range of bold, vibrant colors illustrating the weird and whimsical.

For as long as I can remember, creativity has been in my soul. As a child, I was quiet and fiercely shy, but drawing, painting, and sculpting gave me a voice even when I couldn’t find the words.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is anyone’s road smooth??

It’s my belief nobody reaches adulthood without some form of trauma. Life brings struggles, losses, and challenges.

Not surprisingly, growing up, I was the weird kid. It never felt like I fit in or really belonged anywhere. It wasn’t long until I learned, humans didn’t understand me, but all the other animals did.

I learned on my grandparents farm in Watertown, TN, if you’re patient and quiet, you see, hear, feel, etc. more than you can imagine when you sit with nature. It’s there I developed a sense of belonging in the world. It’s this magical oneness, this whimsical, wonderful essence of a greater belonging I strive to recreate on paper.

As I type, backspace, type some more into your questionnaire, I’m seated in my back yard of 27 acres. My Pekin ducks are loudly quacking behind me, one of my 4 goats is impatiently waiting to be pet, and an orphaned squirrel is snug in a pouch in my lap. We also have cats, dogs, and 50 chickens.

The best part of my life is I get to share it with my little family, my husband and son.

Regarding bumpy roads with art, I gave up. I literally put down the pencil one day and didn’t pick it up for 10 years. After watching my mother suffer with ovarian cancer for 4 years and lose her battle, I just quit and had no desire to do anything creative again.

Most days, I went through the motions feeling defeated and lost. While people around me cared and were supportive, that creative flame was snuffed.

I had been told for many years I’d never be capable of having a child. But then, miraculously, my son came into my life! (It was a very challenging pregnancy) It’s because of him I woke up from my malaise. If it wasn’t for the love and support I constantly receive from my husband and son, I wouldn’t be here today.

Now, to highlight my husband! He diligently helps me with all the packing, traveling, business management, and unwavering belief in me. He encourages me every step of the way and truly enables me to create. He’s seen me at my worst, and I strive for him and my son to see me at my best.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Primarily, I work in watercolor and use illustrative pens for detailed line work. Originally, I pursued a degree focused purely on sculpting and would one day love to have a small studio on my farm with plenty of room for a kiln and clay work.

But I do love watercolors. The organic way the colors flow and swirl into one another, the way the colors can soften or pop with vibrancy, it’s cathartic.

My artwork leans towards the macabre. I’m fascinated by the spiritual world around us, and often feature a sense of etherealness in my works. The life and journey after death has been an obsession of mine since a young age. I find bones and skulls beautiful and joke my aesthetic is like the Addams family but with rainbows.

My work stands apart for many reasons, one being femininity. I draw and paint with a softer lines and colors.

Also, I love colors. Like… really love colors. It’s apparent in my works as I often include splattering, spraying, dripping bold colors which aren’t often paired with death and the macabre.

In addition to painting, given my inability to never be idle, I crochet creepy cute dolls. I enjoy coming up with my own patterns and seeing how each piece evolves as I go!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Believe it or not, social media can be fantastic for support once you learn how to navigate. Many artists are more than happy to offer advice and constructive criticism.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.TheSpottedWhimsy.com
• Instagram: @TheSpottedWhimsy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082984022149
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSpottedWhimsy