Betty-Ann Brose

Artist's Statement 

I am a multimedia artist deeply inspired by the natural world, which speaks profoundly to both my spirit and imagination. My artistic practice encompasses painting, ceramics, and mixed media, each infused with the atmosphere, emotion, and memories drawn from the landscapes and places that have left a lasting impression on me.

Much of my work is rooted in experiences from my own garden. The vibrant colors, rich textures, and intricate patterns found in the flower beds directly inspire my gold abstract paintings. Through these works, I aim to capture and convey the garden’s unique essence.

On my potting bench, I hand-form ceramic sculptures, often integrating soil and dried flowers from my garden into the porcelain. This experimentation with materials is an ongoing exploration of texture, where the decision to use either natural or manmade elements depends on the intention behind each piece. Incorporating dried flowers evokes nostalgia and a sense of connection to nature, while the use of manmade materials allows me to examine the interplay between the organic and the artificial. My goal is to create works that resonate with viewers on both emotional and conceptual levels.

Two recent studies have shaped my creative direction. The first involved the use of gold paint in porcelain sculpture, paintings, and mixed media to highlight the preciousness of our environment. The second study explored the use of AI-generated prompts for compositional inspiration. My initial experiments led to illustrations derived from a Norwegian fairytale, while my latest completed piece was based on an AI prompt depicting a snowy mountain landscape. I observed that the images generated by the program were often flat and overly saturated in color, which challenged me to add my own texture, atmosphere, and emotional depth.

Ultimately, my art seeks to share the sense of beauty and wonder I experience in nature. My hope is that viewers encountering my work, will find resonance with their own memories and emotions, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.