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Brooke Reidt
"Asphyxiation has taught me the art of effusion. I am a metopolitan mermaid with a moxie to live through constant migration. My paintings are memories, marks and maps to document my salvation from arteriosclerosis caused by oxidization. My destination is to create a contagion of demiurge through apostrophe and swell above the catastrophe caused by modern day miasma. That is my bio." - Brooke Reidt
As the very first Element Eden Advocate, how have you seen yourself and your work change since being an advocate?
My work always has and will continue to evolve, change direction and slowly become more realized. When I measure the changes in myself and in my work next to Element Eden it
becomes clear that both the brand and my work have simultaneously grown, changed direction and also become more sophisticated as time slowly defines us. It feels serendipitous that we've
managed to sustain such a parallel pace and path. It's comforting to be able to look back at my relationship with Eden as one that I've grown with and also look forward to the continued growth, rather than out grow one another.
How has the advocate program changed the way you work or helped you grow?
Sometimes critics find furrow in flux and it stunts growth. I am obliged to say that Eden has embraced the growth of my art as the brand continues it's own evolution to become more polished. When I began with Element I said that we had equal intentions and aspirations. I think as we move closer to the horizon, together we set further destinations. I like to think of the advocate program as a parent that I want to be proud of me, so I sometimes use this as motivation to measure my own growth so I have something to write home about.
What does "Live, Learn, Grow" mean to you?
These are the ingredients to LOVE or PASSION! Be present while embracing every experience, reflect, and use your experiences as tools to improve the life of others and yourself! Life, death and the survivors and debris of both.
How do you embody "Live, Learn, Grow" in your daily life?
I should probably write these words in affirmations, but I try to breathe them and live by example.
What has been the strongest motivator in your work?
There are so many elements in my motivation. Currently my motivation is to sustain my commitment to myself as an artist during such trying times economicall and internationally. I know I've said it before but I honestly believe that everyone is given a gift as a tool in life to survive and to make a contribution. I would love to see my art heal something larger than myself. Along the way I'd like to carry the weight of those who I've lost who were equally passionate. I want to make my contribution a lot larger to fill in the holes for those who ran out of time.
Where does your passion lie in helping others grow? What steps do you take
to uphold that?
It's my root system. Life sometimes feels like a trial. I want mine to testify to others that risks reap rewards and life is without limits. I take advantage of every opportunity that surfaces to teach and I am always thinking about how I can extend my art to another level involving the community or a specific cause appropriate to each project. It feels more satisfying when you can share what you harvest from life to complete the cycle.
What has been your favorite memory with the advocates since joining the program?
There are so many! The photo shoot on the roof of my old loft, connecting and bonding with Mataji Booker for the first time as if she were my long lost sister, watching Mataji sing and play guitar alongside Ray Barbee, painting skateboards with Elemental Awareness and a gym full of kids in South Central, being locked inside Coastal Edge overnight with Mike Kershanr to paint a 20ft high wall, painting while Amber B photographed me in my studio yesterday! There are so many memories, I feel blessed to constantly be given the opportunity to work with such beautiful and inspiring people while having it documented along the way.
What has been your most recent undertaking or risk with your work?
I've been working very large and abstractly. I've also been investing a lot of time and love into a project that is going to be released into the universe soon with no guarantee of success or support. That's always scary but I know it's going to be something amazing!
