Erin Brott

Solo Show / Inhale - Exhale at Ferndale Library

This work was created for a solo show titled "Inhale - Exhale," because so many of the pieces are landscapes based on breathwork. Each painting is of a place I visited during the beginning of the pandemic. ‘The Fag End of The World’ is a phrase that was used by French explorers upon first sight of Michigan’s pictured rocks region. Upon digging into the history of this place I found that this phrase was used to describe the spectacular and awe-inspiring geography of the Lake Superior shorelines and after my own attempts at exploring the in’s and out’s of these sandstone caves and colors I couldn't agree more.

‘Don’t Burst Their Bubble’ is another piece from my “Inhale - Exhale”  series. These pieces are meant to encourage restoration, and a focus on conscious breathing exercises. Conscious breath work can help us all attain a sense of calm, and focus, and perhaps restore our motivation for creativity and creative expression. The circular shape symbolizes unity which was a big part of my focus at this time through advocating for the health, wellness, and inclusion of trans and non-binary family members in my own closest circles. This piece invites viewers to follow the infinite edges of the circle and settle in to focus on their patterns of breathing… in and out then repeat.

The idea of the reclamation of the pink triangle from being a violent badge of shame in Queer history to its current status symbolizing self-identity and a love for one's own queerness inspires me endlessly. I invite viewers to meditate on this shape and envision themselves finding safety in this place and encouraging a triangular breath work pattern of breathe in - hold it - breathe out - repeat.

INHALE - EXHALE

Solitude in Nature

This paintings were created to explore the idea of finding comfort and solace in nature.

Queer Flowers for Queer Artist Showcase at Ferndale Project

What’s the queerest flower that comes to mind? For me it’s the Pansy/Violet. Growing up I heard the term “Pansy” used as a derogatory way to describe or “other” effeminate qualities in men... I hope these little Pansy paintings are a reminder to flip that narrative and push back against archaic gender stereotypes. Find as many pansy’s in the world to surround yourself with... and help nurture them to grow into more luminous & stronger versions of themselves.

The associations between certain flowers and the queer experience is a rabbit hole I fall down often. The stories about Irish poet Oscar Wilde and the green malmaison carnation are beautiful and relevant. I’m constantly in awe of how LGBTQIA+ folks… especially artists have had to develop sophisticated codes to coexist as queer in a world that tries to criminalize their identity. What does the aesthetic of queer humanity look like today? It is so vast and speculative and curious. I’m constantly inspired by the transformative nature of queerness and those who have always reimagined better futures with tender hearts and created secret safe symbols, codes, and visual languages as a means of escape and association.

The stories about all the brave folks who worked in the Gay Liberation Front in the 1970’s are beautiful and relevant. They were part of the wave of “Lavender Menace” fighting for visibility or lesbians in the women's movement. Lavender is a color that has a long historical significance in representing resistance and power within the queer community. It’s soft and bold qualities symbolize the importance of the women's movement throughout history. Women’s rights are especially important to fight for in this moment as we work to support ALL women but especially our trans sisters of color.