Brett Cook

Artist and educator Brett Cook joins us to speak about art, community building, and contemplative practice as we discuss his book co-authored with Thich Nhat Hanh Clouds in a Teacup: A Mindfulness Journey and Coloring Book.

Remember what it was like when you were little, in school, and it was time for art class. You did finger painting, sculpture, even macaroni art in a group. Or, at least sitting together with others, working on their own projects. What would it be like to have art be a communal mindfulness practice?

Brett Cook is an artist and educator who has produced installations, exhibitions, curricula, and events widely across the United States and internationally. His work often involves community workshops and collaborative art, along with music, performance, and food. He has taught at all academic levels in a variety of subjects. He’s received many awards, and was selected as a cultural ambassador to Nigeria as part of the U.S. Department of State’s 2012 smARTpower Initiative and A Blade of Grass Fellow for Socially Engaged Art in 2014. His work is in private and public collections including the Smithsonian/National Portrait Gallery, the Walker Art Center, and Harvard University. Cook lives in Oakland, CA with his family.

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Video

Books

Web Links

• Brett Cook
• Parallax Press — Clouds in a Teacup

Music for This Episode Courtesy of Rodrigo Rodriguez

The music heard in this podcast is from Rodrigo Rodriguez. You can visit his website to hear more of his music, get the full discography, and view his upcoming tour dates.