Sarah Brook
Founder & Creative Director of Sarah Brook Gallery - a curated space for discovery and interaction with art and artists
@sarahbrookgallery
Where were you raised? Has the landscape of that place influenced your work in any way?
I was raised in St. Louis, and while safe and idyllic in certain ways, I developed a craving early on for more exposure akin to big city offerings.
After graduating college I left for New York, the city that shaped my creative work and life in every way. My heart will always belong to New York, even now as an Angeleno. I still miss the smell of trash on the sidewalks in summer! (That's true love)
How do you re-charge your creative battery?
Art energizes me; it makes me feel connected and at peace. Looking, researching, and surrounding myself with art. Connecting with other creatives in any capacity. Music all day, everyday. Gigs. I absolutely love the energy of live performances.
Also, alone time. The sea. Hot yoga. Instagram.
What book are you reading?
There's a stack on my nightstand that I am currently working through - EE Cummings, Anaïs Nin, Nadja by André Breton, a book about Louise Bourgeois, catalog of sculpture by Augustin Cárdenas, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
What was the last thing that you fell in love with?
Definitely a song. I love the mysterious language of music. It connects us to our rawest, innermost feelings and that is powerful. Similar to art.
What do you love most about yourself?
Vision, intuition, and belief in others. My sense of humor that kicks in just as my intensity has had too much airtime.
What do you think is the most important quality in a human?
Passion.
Do you have a spiritual practice?
Does being a parent count? It requires the patience of a saint ; )
It's something I consider more now as an adult. I recently started listening to Sam Harris and he has inspired a meditation practice.
Who are your role models?
Friends, artists, tastemakers, writers; critical thinkers with strength of vision, kind voice and a "nothing gets in my way" attitude about life. Leaders who show support and a willingness to stand up for others. People who inspire new ways of doing and being. People using their resources for good. A muscle I'd like to exercise more this year.
If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? Is there a individual or an organization doing work in this area that you want us to know about?
I don't have an answer for the world (do away with the stock market) but I will say people have really banded together during this unprecedented time (Covid-19). It's been inspiring to see all the ways in which organizations are helping, be it donating medical supplies, food, shopping services for the elderly. A beautiful sense of community.
Before I die I want to….
Watch my children grow into thoughtful and loving adults. Continue learning and evolving. Meet more like-minded people who teach me things about life and myself. Give back. Relax. Spend summers in the South of France.
All photos courtesy of Sarah Brook.
Art by Britt Bogan, Sarah Gilfillan, Kate Crassweller, Karyn Lyons, Cheryl Humphreys, Colleen Herman
