Artist Brooke Morgan on Curating a Healing Space for the Arts
In conversation with artist Brooke Morgan, we discuss the creative journey and her experience designing and curating The Abode, a collective art space and a serene escape for all who enter.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned on your creative journey?
To let go, and let things come in their own way, in their own time. Pushing, forcing, and chasing are functions of the ego. And they pale in comparison to the abundant gifts of the Universe when we are in flow, living from a place of love, rather than fear.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
A typical day after I take my son to school starts with self-care. Chai, meditation, breath work, journaling, movement, food. Then, I either transition to the canvas or the inbox for a while. And the day just sort of organically creates itself. I don’t schedule more than 1-2 appointments in a day. I’ve learned that any more than that is unmanageable for me, and I love having the space to approach my day with a sort of open fluidity.
Some days I paint, some days I capture content or run social media, some days I’m running the linear parts of the business - organizing inventory and spreadsheets, some days I meet with clients off-site or host guests here at The Abode. There are a lot of moving parts in my work. But it keeps it interesting. I sit for tea and try to get outside for some of the day, and get to the woods for a walk twice a week. Connecting with nature is essential for everything that I do. But every day is a winding road. And I love that about this work.
What was your experience of renovating and curating your home and workspace, The Abode?
Fun. And challenging. I made one decision at a time, and tried not to get too far ahead. That’s generally how I try to approach projects, spaces, and life.
I was the general contractor, so I worked with probably 10 different craftspeople from start to finish. I poured my soul into this place. At the time, I was teaching full time, running Nomad Collective, and my son was 3, so it was probably the most hectic time of my life. But it felt like really important work to do, so a way was made. And it just now feels like it’s come together. We’ve been here for 3 years now. Interiors take time, a lifetime in fact.
How did you begin your journey as an artist, poet, and interior designer?
I believe I came into the world as one. I think we all do. But it took me a while to discover the creative parts of myself.
My mom is an artist, so part of me felt like I couldn’t fully dive into that world. So, I went more fully in the direction of athletics, because I was also a very gifted athlete.
Then life, through a number of painful experiences and losses, led me to art. I picked up a brush 3 years ago and started writing poetry again. And I couldn’t stop. The inner urge to create was undeniable, because it was and continues to be a part of my healing journey.
I’ve always had a love for curating interiors, mostly in my own home, and in my room as a child. But when I started the global lifestyle brand, Nomad Collective, in 2014, I really formalized my relationship with people and spaces, and the power of our environments.
I began to understand the importance of story, original art, and objects with a soul behind them. I was drawn to patina and textiles and visual art that made me feel. Our homes are a metaphor of our interior worlds. But this more spiritual approach to interiors has really just developed over the last few years. My love for beauty and beautiful things has been there for as long as I can remember.
What influences your work and style? Where do you draw inspiration from?
Life. And nature. My work is a spiritual practice, so caring for my spirit, staying connected to Source is essential for me to be a vessel of peace and beauty.
There are certainly great masters that I admire, but true inspiration for my work comes in all shapes and sizes. From the shape of a riverbed rock to something my child whispers at bedtime.
My work and style is continually evolving, and now, I am in a season of paring down and refining. Integrating color and play, but in a peaceful, natural way. Too many elements, objects, or things coexisting feels overwhelming to me. Peace is my compass.
What can visitors to The Abode expect?
The most common feedback I receive is a feeling of peace when visitors walk through the front door - which is always such a joy to hear. To be able to offer that to whomever enters, in the midst of an urban neighbourhood, feels like such a gift. It’s quite serene here, and there is a beautiful energy.
It’s warm, welcoming, simple, unpretentious, yet really beautiful. It’s also my canvas, where I try out new ideas, so it’s always changing. I believe that once an interior is set, it feels stale, almost dead. So keeping it alive means a slow and constant evolution of what’s inside. And a consistent sense of curiosity and play.
What’s your vision for the future of The Abode?
My vision is for The Abode to continue to evolve. It’s always had a life of its own, and made its own way. It simply attracts people who are destined to be here.
At the moment, I am planning to build out the lower level gallery, which is quite raw at the moment, and include a proper studio, where I can paint more readily. The upstairs will continue to be our living quarters, for now, and a collaborative space for photoshoots and intimate gatherings.
At the core, I see it as a house of healing, a resting place, and a community gathering space, though I’m not sure how that will manifest in the years to come. I believe my role is to just stay open and not hold any one idea or vision too tightly.
You also run the lifestyle brand, Nomad Collective. What kind of projects do you work on?
Nomad Collective was born from a very practical need to connect beautiful, hidden goods that I discovered after a trip to Turkey and Kenya, to the modern market. At the time, it was rugs and sheepskin for the trade only. Then, I just kept meeting amazing artists and artisans, and they became part of the collective as well.
As an artist, it’s so difficult to self advocate, and I wanted to champion the beautiful souls that inspired me by their lifestyle, generous nature, and creative talent. Now, we work with a community of partners all over the world, curating handmade, story filled goods.
Over the last year, my own art has become a primary pillar in the brand. I host shows, attend markets, and work with a community of interior designers, helping them source goods for projects. We also curate interiors as well, that is, help individuals, families and businesses who need a sounding board while designing and harmonizing their spaces. Reimagining interiors is one of my favorite things to do, and I’m excited for more of these projects in the near future.
What’s next for you and your businesses?
Expansion. Integration. Color. Collaboration. We’re launching a campaign, called Nouveau, which is the formal integration of my art practice, soulful goods from our global partners, and our interior curation services. It feels like I’m fully diving in for the first time, and I’m so excited for the new season. I’m not looking too far ahead, just taking one day, one step, opening one door at a time. But color is coming in, and also, I believe there’s a beautiful opportunity to shift the silo paradigm and align with like-minded brands, who are doing business differently…with a spirit of humility, collaboration, and soulfulness, with a heart for the collective good.
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Find Brooke Morgan:
Website: brookenoelmorgan.com
Instagram: @nomad__collective | @brookenoelmorgan | @the__abode
Images courtesy of Brooke Morgan.
