John Brooks has worked collaboratively and individually on a variety of socially engaging art projects. Large-scale interactive environments analyzing hidden dialogues reveal suggested mythologies between our surroundings and ourselves.
After graduating from Northwest Community College in Powell, WY, with an AFA in Ceramics, Brooks went to study with Michael Hill at the University of South Dakota. Under Hill’s guidance, they developed a rigorous work ethic that enhanced their craft of pottery - learning how to construct and fire several kinds of kilns (electric, gas, wood, salt/soda), in depth clay and glaze chemistry, and how to make a living as an artist. Brooks stayed for another year after getting their BFA, assisting with the ceramics students, continuing their wood fire research, and developing a body of work to take to the west coast.
They have exhibited at craft fairs and galleries in the states of Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and been represented at the Vermillion Area Arts Center, John Day Gallery, located at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion SD. They now reside in the Pacific Northwest where they are currently making work, own, and manage Floating Feet Studios with their partner Ashlea Schroder. Brooks works full time at South Puget Sound Community College as an Instructional Classroom Support Technician II, manages and teaches classes at the Olympia Center ceramic studio, and caretaker at Monarch Sculpture Park.

Thrown and altered pots are embellished with the textures of familiar everyday items. By taking manufactured objects that have a specific function – nuts and bolts, screws, washers, hinges, etc. – and changing its intended purpose altogether through clay, a new interaction is created.
Led by the form/function of the vessel, I animate the static impressions by distorting the texture through the plastic qualities of the clay. Colored slip is then added to further enrich both visual and tactile contrast. What appears to be mere decoration at first look becomes a layered history of information upon continuous exploration of the vessel.
Life is bits and pieces put together, a harmony of ceremonial occasions and ordinary daily moments. Applying literal bits and pieces from our lives in a celebratory manner allows for contemplation and perhaps reconsideration for what can often be overlooked