Who Is Brooke Shaden?
Brooke Shaden is a conceptual self-portrait artist, writer and educator. When I first began my conceptual photography journey, I spent a lot time consuming tutorials, and among the first that I binge-watched were those by Brooke Shaden on CreativeLive. I was obsessed with the style of art she produced and I wanted to create work like hers. Of course, in the beginning I was more concerned with the how, but as I got to know Brooke and her work, I realized that the “why” is more important. What we wish to convey to others guides how we compose the image ,and the things we include in the frame can symbolize so many things.
I consider Brooke to be one of my creative mentors. I feel lucky to have been part of one of her Impact in Focus sessions and to have witnessed her creating in real life. Brooke is unexpected because she is sweet, kind, and funny but creates these impactful, and often uncomfortable self-portraits layered with dark symbolism.
Brooke’s Works That Inspire Me
Just days before Brooke posted Fallen Fruit, I had brainstormed a very similar concept. I had been thinking about what it means to have a menstrual cycle and how there is a power in it. When I had the Mirena device, I didn't have a cycle for the whole two years, and my emotions were way out of whack. I wanted to show what having a cycle means for me and my idea was to create a self-portrait of myself squatting with very real looking blood dripping down my inner thighs, but I was still working out exactly how I wanted it to look. I knew I wanted it to feel powerful and meaningful. Then Brooke posted hers and I felt so many things. I was incredibly moved, a little jealous, and very curious. What did this symbolize for Brooke? In her Instagram caption she writes that the work is inspired by the phrase “fruit of my loins.” For her, it was about being a foster parent. No, she didn’t birth the children herself, but she still had a hand in shaping those lives. I have never believed that biology alone makes you a parent. It's the effort you put in.
Infection causes a visceral reaction. It reminds me of my image, I Need You To Feel This from my 2021 Jukebox June project where I depict my anger and my serenity. Brooke’s evokes anger too and a lack of control is symbolized by the many ways in which she is bound: arms, breasts, and even the hands pulling her mouth open while ants crawl over her face. I get the sense that she is being controlled by her anger and I think we have all felt like that at one time or another.
What We Can Learn About Symbolism and Fearlessness From Brooke
Brooke's work teaches us two major lessons. First, there are many ways to symbolize things and those symbols may mean different things to different people. Second, it's important to create the work you want to create. There will alway be people who hate what you create. Who cares? There are more important questions:
- who are you speaking to?
- why are you speaking to them?
- what do you want them to know?
- what do you want them to feel?
- how will you share that with them?
- what symbols will you use to convey your message?
Try This
Who would I be if I didn't give you some homework? I encourage you to do all of these if you can:
Examine Your Existing Symbolism
Take a look at your catalog of work and see what symbols you are already using. What do they mean to you? What might they mean to someone else? Are there other symbols you haven't used that speak to you deeply?
Create Something That Makes You Uncomfortable
What work of art are you afraid to bring to life? Make it happen! Even if you never share it with the world, which I think you should, make it exist. Not only will you learn something about yourself, you will have faced a fear and grown as an artist.
Consider Your Message
Part of being an artist is having something to say. This doesn't necessarily mean that it is must be big, profound, or highly impactful. It can be, but it can also be as simple as “I enjoy this”. Why are you making art? Why might it be important to others?
Brooke has been collaborating with Sony Alpha Female this year to bring a 52-Week Challenge where she has provided prompts for every week. You can still join in.
I started the project, but after the loss of my husband, I had to give myself some space and I am no longer participating, but it is a wonderful challenge. This image is one my favourites I had created for the challenge. My intention had been to tie my creative project to my scorpion progression project (achieve Scorpion yoga pose). The creative prompt would be my focus for my practice that week and my practice would inform my image. This particular week the prompt was “Red”. I experienced stabbing pains in my head when transitioning from belly poses to seated poses and I had wicked heartburn during my planks. So the pins in my head symbolize those pains. The hands yanking me backward symbolize the doubting voices that try to keep me from progressing.
Find Brooke’s Symbolic Self-Portrait Art
You can find Brooke's work in all of these places:
- Website: brookeshaden.com
- Instagram: @brookeshaden
- Facebook: Brooke Shaden Photography
- Flickr: Brooke Shaden
Conceptual Art Takeaways
Visionaries is my way of honouring the artists who influence my work. In each entry, I share two of their creations that speak to me, what we can learn from them, and offer you an assignment or three to grow your own creativity.
I would love to hear if this series interests you, if you have questions about how each visionary has impacted my work, or anything else you might wonder! I love questions, so please ask them!
