Comments on: Sharpening Your Creative Knife

By: Amelia

Amelia — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 02:30:49 +0000

Brooke, you are truly able to put things so eloquently – i want to store your words in my head to remind me everyday that all this is possible. I have discovered an amazing passion in me this last year – one that has been helped to the light by you and Sue Bryce. I want to thank you for giving me the sense of freedom to express myself for me and to know that it can complement my other passions. And to all those who have already commented it is amazing to hear that none of us are alone. That we are able to change and share and passions will evolve and morph into new ones. Thank you.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 22:53:18 +0000

I have never posted a comment on anything before. But I wanted to share with you how much your art help me through the darkest time of my life. That sounds so utterly dramatic, but it is true. I am not an artist but I know what speaks to me and I know what I like.

On April 1, 2016 I had just found your site and was browsing through your portfolio and immediately was drawn to Underground Discoveries. A nurse from my doctor’s office called me and asked me to come into the office to discuss the results of the biopsy. I asked if she could just give me the news over the phone. She told me to hang on a minute. After a very long minute, my doctor got on the phone and said “I don’t want to give you the news over the phone.” I literally froze and said “You just did,” as Underground Discoveries was staring at me from my laptop. I immediately made that beautiful picture the background image on my laptop.

Most people know that basics of cancer treatment. But what people don’t realize is the emotional roller coaster a person goes through. I remember looking in the mirror after my first chemo session and thinking it looked like I had aged 10 years in just seven days. I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me.

If my life was a movie, the turning point of my detachment would have been inspirational and meaningful. It would have involved wisdom-filled epiphanies about discovering my true self. I would conquer my demons and go on to live out my cancer journey in happiness with Joaquin Phoenix by my side while kicking cancer’s A$$. But my life isn’t a movie. I stared spending time alone. It’s a strange moment when you realize you don’t want to be around people anymore. Being sad was a feeling that my brain latched onto like a child learning a new word.

I saw Underground Discoveries Every. Single. Day. I saw it every day for 18 months; it spoke to me and helped me through chemo, surgery, radiation and more chemo; not only for its beauty but the story that I saw.

I am cancer free, Praise God. I want you to know I shared this picture with the other women I met through my breast cancer journey. These women I met are loyal, steadfast and supportive; friends you can call in the middle of the night; who stay by your side no matter what. I shared it with Caren, in addition to being all of these things, was also a friend who laughed easily and didn’t hesitate to send an e-mail marked URGENT that included images of a celebrity with a lot of plastic surgery (subject line: must discuss). Caren passed away 3 days ago; with dignity and enough courage for all of us. Caren loved this picture too; and we spoke about it often. I just wanted you to know what a difference your talents and your spirit has made to many people.

By: Bonnie McCaffery

Bonnie McCaffery — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:24:51 +0000

You always speak such truth. Not just your own, but a Universal truth. I used to be a “well known” quilt teacher…traveling the world sharing what I loved. And then one day I didn’t love it. It was scary because I had to continue to be her. I still had many lectures and workshops scheduled. That was when I was about 42. I called it my dead quilter phase. I did come back to quilting and did many other great things including 3 books, creative quilting inventions, VidCasts and traveling to lots of other great places.
About 6 years ago it happened again. The quilter was dead…for good this time. Luckily I knew what it was and how to handle it. Today I am a photographer. Funny, but I now go to Quilt Shows and set up my Traveling Portrait Studio. What I have learned is to trust that little tiny voice in my heart. It will steer me to amazing places yet to be explored. And so looking forward to next years Promoting Passion. 🙂

By: Ruth Gordon

Ruth Gordon — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 19:25:08 +0000

I love this blog. I am a photographer and love the act of taking and editing photos, but become terrified and paralyzed at the thought of selling them. People have bought my photos,but not because I put them out there with any gusto. It just happened. The business side of art is scary and I don’t really know why. Thank you for your insights and your knowledge. I truly appreciate it.

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 16:54:27 +0000

In reply to Judith E Barat. Brooke and Judith, Thank you for this article and your comment, Judith. I just turned 59 yesterday and your messages about creativity, trusting the ebb and flow of life, and not being too old are a balm to my soul!

By: Kathleen Wright

Kathleen Wright — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 13:53:26 +0000

*happy tears* I love you so much even though I’ve never met you. Your words always connect so fully with my soul it’s like therapy for me.

By: Karen Olson

Karen Olson — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 00:31:38 +0000

These words come at the perfect time for me to hear. It is, in fact, December and I am sharpening my knife as well. Ready to head in a new direction. Thank you for words and inspiration. I look forward to whatever your heart desires to create.

By: Ann Vargas

Ann Vargas — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 19:09:19 +0000

In reply to Judith E Barat. Your comment gives me hope. I'm 62 and constantly worrying that I'm too old....

By: Gallagher (Fit BMX)

Gallagher (Fit BMX) — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 02:14:10 +0000

Good to see your new post.
It is wonderful to hear you got to take your Argentina trip, I have never really seen photos from there before, and now I want to go! LOL
It sounds like such an inspiring place, even the ratty apartment.
Love the photos, all of them!!! 🙂

By: Leesa Voth

Leesa Voth — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 23:21:26 +0000

I am grateful for your post. Many of my colleagues and I struggle with what a “successful” creative identity means. Unfortunately, labels stick early on, usually encouraged by well intentioned teachers and mentors encouraging folks to be rooted to brand identity and a narrow scope of expression to motivate success. In addition, proficiency takes time, so artists are afraid to make changes once they reach a comfortable level of success. But the natural order of life is change and when artists fight against that to feel safe, their creative energy withers away. They become chained to their past to meet expectations of future performance. I am happy you are evolving and are willing to share as you explore the multi-layered nature of your artistic expression. In other words, you rock – thanks for the continued inspiration you offer the community you’ve nurtured, and for the beautifully haunting images.