Adrian Landon Brooks is an artist based in Wimberley, Texas whose studio is located in East Austin at Canopy. Brooks works in painting and illustration, utilizing found materials such as wood, metal, and old photographs as canvases. Brooks also works in large-scale installations and murals and has worked with companies like Meta, Google, and Indeed. His art has been featured in publications such as Juxtapoz, VNA, Art Maze Mag, and the West #126 issue of New American Paintings.
We had a chance to sit down with the artist and discuss their work - read the interview below.
A Conversation with Adrian Landon Brooks
Interviewer: You've been working out of your studio at Canopy for several years- How long has your studio been based in the Canopy community? What made you choose Canopy as your studio location and how has the space influenced your work and creative process?
Brooks: I'm currently in my third year at Canopy. I started in one of the trailers and have since moved into a studio in Building One. Having a bright, clean space to create has been a long-held dream, and Canopy has made that a reality. The community of makers here adds a valuable layer of comfort and encouragement to my often solitary practice. I especially appreciate the supportive nature of the artists and the strong sense of community. I'm grateful that Austin still offers spaces like Canopy for creatives who need a dedicated place to work.
Interviewer: Open Canopy is a monthly event opens dozens of private artist studios to the public every first Saturday of the month from 1-4pm. Can you tell us about your experience participating in Open Canopy and what it means to you as an artist?
Brooks: The opportunity for public engagement beyond traditional gallery shows is incredibly valuable to me. While exhibitions were once my primary avenue for those interactions, Canopy's open studios allow me to connect with the public throughout the year. I typically keep my process organic and often work on a painting while my studio is open.
This gives visitors a firsthand look at my process, and it's also a convenient way for people to purchase prints or originals they've been interested in, without the formality of a gallery setting or the need for shipping. Come by and see me next time in Studio #222
Interviewer: Are murals your primary focal point as a painter? How has your process shifted when creating large-scale pieces, and what challenges or new perspectives have you discovered?
Brooks: Traditionally, my mural work has been my more commercially focused creative endeavor. I find a particular satisfaction in the process of translating my studio ideas to a grand scale, adapting my composition to the unique variables and challenges each wall presents – be it the surface, shape, or size.
The reality is rarely a pristine, easily accessible wall; it's usually a more complex situation requiring inventive solutions to achieve my vision despite often literal obstacles. That being said, my deepest connection is to my studio practice. I cherish the unrestricted freedom to pursue my creative path without external opinions or logistical hurdles. It's a much more meditative experience compared to the rigorously planned nature of mural creation.
Interviewer: What other art forms or mediums have been inspiring you? How do these influences find their way into your work?
Brooks: My primary inspiration comes from the relics I discover in junk yards, antique shops, and similar places. It's a constantly evolving practice of hunting and gathering the materials that often find their way into my work.
While I have specific items I seek, the unexpected finds are often the most exciting. I look at an old object or piece of wood and immediately see its potential for transformation within my art. The object itself becomes the catalyst for inspiration; my actions upon it are secondary. I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards the salvaged materials that enter my studio.
Interviewer: Who are you listening to? Is music a part of your creative process? Have you made a public playlist you're proud of?
Brooks: I've been deeply immersed in Bonnie Prince Billy's new album, "The Purple Bird," recently. And while I create visual art, music is often what truly fuels my creative spirit more than visual art does. It's not about specific artistic parallels, but rather what resonates with me and occupies my thoughts. I tend to spend my days with a constant musical hum, listening to whatever I've got on repeat. This rhythmic undercurrent provides an essential grounding for my daily life.
Interviewer: What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming shows, releases, or projects that you're particularly excited about?
Brooks: I'm currently preparing a new body of work for my upcoming two-person show at Preacher Gallery, where I'll be exhibiting alongside Denver artist Jaime Molina. This exhibition feels particularly meaningful as it's a reunion of sorts; Jaime and I had the opportunity to show together over a decade ago in Amsterdam.
The show will open this May in Austin, TX. Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter to receive advance previews and details about the exhibition. I'm incredibly excited to share this in such a wonderful and supportive space. The team at Preacher Gallery is truly top-notch.