Brooke Barlow is a figurative ceramic sculptor who explores the connection between the human form and the natural world. Brooke is currently a new instructor here at GCCA, but her teaching journey didn't just start here. In 2024, she created Brooklynn Ceramics, where she specialized in teaching women across South Carolina the art of ceramics and hand-building. She is rooted in community, self-discovery, and creativity all through the art of clay.
In July of 2026, I sat down to interview Brooke about her background, who she is as an artist, and what her artwork has grown to become.
Before fully embracing ceramics, Brooke came from a long career in advertising, where she was always in a fast-paced world of storytelling and connecting. Her core mission has always been to create stories and to create something impactful through whatever medium she touches. Discovering clay and ceramics brought her to slow down, enjoy imperfection, and be present in the process.
“Ceramics gave me a way to express ideas about identity, healing, and the human experience that words alone couldn’t capture.”
Brooke's current work showcases the power of self-discovery, transformation, and renewal.
“Clay mirrors the human experience so beautifully…it’s shaped, broken, reshaped, fired and transformed over and over again. Every fingerprint, crack, and texture tells a story, much like our own lives.”
Every piece holds the profound theme of - becoming. Becoming more of ourselves, more of who we are, and exploring what we can be. Her work reminds us of how growth is ongoing and never truly ends. It showcases how change and transformation, even when uncomfortable and unpredicted, hold unmatched beauty.
Every artist experiences unique milestones and moments that don't arrive at the same time for everyone. Looking back at the beginning of her artistic journey, Brooke navigated times of deep struggle but also immense reward.
“Honestly, the most challenging part hasn’t been a single sculpture…it’s been allowing myself to be seen as an artist. Sharing deeply personal work requires a different kind of vulnerability than anything I’ve experienced.”
Finding a genuine connection from a person to her art is the ultimate reward for Brooke. Those moments and conversations continue to inspire and give reason to the “why” of her creations. With GCCA’s new ceramics studio opening and upcoming classes on the horizon, Brooke opens a space “where people [can] reconnect with creativity, curiosity, and themselves.” Many are bound by the belief that they aren't creative – only to see that belief disappear when they begin to play and work with clay, for Brooke it is truly the best part of teaching. Ceramics is welcoming to all, whether you have years of experience or none; clay shows us to slow down, play, and to be inspired by all things.
In Brooke's future here at GCCA, she plans to “continue pushing the boundaries of what ceramics can be through immersive experiences, sculptural storytelling, and exhibitions that invite conversation.” Her ultimate goal circles right back to the community that anchors her:
“If I can help cultivate a community where creativity becomes a catalyst for connection, healing, and personal growth, then I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do at GCCA.”
In Bloom Series - 2025
Blog written by Zoey Smith.