We were lucky to catch up with Brooke Thivierge recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

With every collection of work I create, I strive to bring certain flora and fauna of the world to life through functional works of art. Many of the animals I paint are threatened or endangered species. In multiple ways, my work helps others acknowledge their connection to nature. Even if it’s a memory or deep love for the animal depicted. By evoking these emotions, people start to recognize how important nature is to them. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest impacts.

Functional handmade ceramics are usually used in your morning routines. Starting your day with a mug that illustrates an animal that needs more attention for their survival, creates a domino effect of caring. You hold the mug close to your heart, metaphorically and physically. Along with creating work inspired by the creatures of the world, I also give fun fact information about the animal in every newsletter I send. I believe when you learn about something, you will care more about it. I feel as though I am responsible to spread awareness of the at-risk animals because I’m painting them. I do not want to take full advantage of their beauty without giving back in some way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I graduated from New Hampshire Institute of Art in 2017, with my bachelor’s in fine art painting. My senior year, I took ceramics wheel throwing as an elective. I fell in love with how different clay was from my usual canvas oil paintings. After graduating, all I could think about was continuing ceramics. Soon after, I was gifted my first wheel and worked out of my small apartment. My art has always been inspired by nature. Organic lines, colorful, and expressive brushstrokes. Painting is a true passion of mine. Once I learned about underglaze, my work took an exciting turn. Underglaze is a pigment that can withstand the high temperatures of a kiln. When I started painting on my functional ceramics it felt like a door swung wide open. I combined both my passions of painting and pottery together!

In 2019, I took the leap to becoming a full-time artist. I feel very blessed to spread my art around the world and to try to make a difference through my work.

I am most proud of my painted works depicting threatened or endangered species. I have donated to many different organizations focusing on wildlife conservation and animal rehabilitation. I hope to make a difference through my work. For people to start living more sustainably, appreciate nature, to not take it for granted.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to see the world in a different light. Taking the dark and turning into something beautiful is what more people need in their lives. Today, there is so much hurt in the world. People need art in their lives to relax, find peace, and spark joy. I believe without art, there would be a lot more sorrow. Being an artist, I can help others experience, even a small amount of happiness, is so rewarding.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives might not fully understand how difficult it is to live as a self-employed artist, yet we have so much freedom. As a business owner, without an assistant or employees, I have a lot on my plate. It seems to be 20-30% creating while the rest of my time is marketing, customer service, web designer, etc. On the other side of the business, because I am my own boss, I create my own schedule. I have the freedom to take more time off but if I do take too much time off, it is hard to get back into the swing of finding inspiration again. I believe non-creatives think being a full-time artist is fun all the time. Yes, I get a lot of fulfillments to my soul, but I struggle with giving myself enough time to create vs, time off. My procrastination and imposter syndrome control the work I create. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best I can be all of the time. Because I am my own boss, I feel as though I need to be on top of everything. If something fails, it’s on me. No one else is going to pick up my slack if I don’t fulfill an order in time or change the kiln elements. It’s all about balance. I’m still trying to find my perfect balance.

Because I do everything behind the scenes, I also wish non-creatives would respect the price of handmade art. Stop asking for discounts! Your boss wouldn’t ask you if they could have a few hours of your paycheck back, would they? I might be a little salty on the subject.

Contact Info:

• Website: batsceramics.com
• Instagram: batsceramics
• Facebook: facebook.com/brookebatsceramics