Brandi Lee Cooper

With her background in Zoology and a passion for conservation, Brandi studies the human influence on creatures and the land. In her work, she celebrates nature’s incredible capacity and the importance of interconnectedness. Similar to natural systems, her pieces go through dynamic and unpredictable changes in structure. She creates cracked surfaces that float over the biota. Utilizing bold color accents on these surfaces contrasts the softer colors of the plant material. This references the clash between human impact and the earth’s preciousness.  Each piece is then submerged in glaze and fired in a cradle of sand. When they emerge from the kiln, the viscous glaze coating and solidifying the branches unifies the connection points. They are transformed into state of permanent interconnectedness. Brandi earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Northern Arizona University in 1998.  In 2016, she earned a Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics from KU and a Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State in 2019.  Her work has been included NCECA Juried Student Exhibition in Minneapolis, MN; the 40th Annual Contemporary Crafts, Mesa, AZ; Create New + Juried Show, University of Montana. She has also participated in the Tempe Center for the Arts, Summer WATER Residency and the C.R.E.T.A. Rom, Artists Invites Artists Summer Residency.