Welcome to Atelier Brownlow
About the Artist
Biography
Ms. Brownlow is a freelance artist and communications consultant with a background in intercultural communication. She is a former teacher who spent a number of years teaching competitive debate, public speaking, and various communication topics. Her passion for justice and racial equity has led her to volunteer her time and expertise to various groups. She grew up on the coastside just south of San Francisco and now resides in San Jose.
Artist statement
I was born in Tennessee but grew up in California. As a child, traveling back home to Tennessee each summer to visit my family left me highly aware of the different spheres I walked through. As a white woman, I have had the privilege of growing up in a metropolitan area that is one of the most diverse in the country. I have had a deep drive for justice for as long as I can remember; rooted in a care and empathy for others. Perhaps it was because of the homophobic bullying I experienced as a child, or the unmasked racism and homophobia of Southern relatives. But as I grew older I became more aware of my own privileges and just how pervasive so many “isms” are throughout our society; even in liberal bastions like SF. As an academic, my research and teaching focused on anti-racism work, the intersection of national identity and racism, and decolonizing pedagogical practices. How we create identity has long been a subject I am fascinated by, both artistically and academically. So much of this previous study and research informs my art; in everything from subject to design and execution.
I seek to reuse as much material as possible when creating art. For some types of media that simply isn’t possible; but whenever possible I look to reduce the carbon footprint I leave behind.