My Name is Steven Brooks. I’m an artist, husband and dad, from Maine. I work in several different mediums but, as of late, have found the most joy in using reclaimed found material in my mostly wildlife-based art. I’ve always had art and creation around me my whole life from as far back as I can remember, using pipe cleaners to create sharks and dinosaurs to a platypus for my 6th-grade science project. My recent focus on Sharks/Fish has brought the greatest gratification as a creator. I've always felt that my art is less about success or "making it" as a famous artist and more about "making it" in the more literal sense – just making art. The elements that go into making one of my fish are two fins, an eye, and a tail. The other element, in between those previously mentioned, is leaving room for the fish to tell your tale.”-Steven Brooks.
What is your favorite shark, and why?
My favorite Sharks are Whale Sharks; their size, patterns, and the way they move are all so awe-inspiring to me. They also have such a gentle demeanor, like that of a cow, which is so inviting.
Whale Shark
What inspired you to start creating shark art?
Sharks have such a precise and effective look to them. I enjoy translating that into art, whether in sculpture (wood) or drawing. Their incredible presence makes it all the more satisfying when used as a muse for art.
Do you have a favorite shark piece you've created?
My favorite piece I’ve done was part of my “Barn Sharks” series where I created sharks from barn board and reclaimed wood. I have one hanging in my living room(see picture “barn shark), but my favorite was a 35’ Whale Shark I made from reclaimed wood. (pictured “whale shark”)
Barn Sharks
Why do you use recycled materials/reclaimed?
I’ve always liked how accessible it is. In art school I’d see students go buy a bunch of material to make a project then they’d tip toe around the creation of the work because of the financial investment in the materials. You can always find inspiration in what you find when you know you’re giving something a second chance of appreciation. I love the concept of making fish from wood, such a buoyant material being used for something that lives underwater.
Do you have a favorite ocean/shark moment?
My favorite Ocean/Shark moment was after creating my 35’ Whale Shark piece. I was able to swim with them while on vacation with my family in Cancun. Ahead of creating the piece, I looked at a number of images for inspiration, and it was incredible actually being in the water 20 feet away from them and seeing them 1st hand. That was a memory I will cherish forever and cemented my love for them.
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