Squire Broel

Squire Broel uses visual language to give shape to his encounters with both the visible world and the invisible world. Nuances, commonly overlooked in the midst of a frenetic, culturally driven reality provide much of the inspiration for his work. Through series and repetition Broel delves deep into his creative process; ever-working to distill the spirit of his subjects. Through his quest for the “essential,” Broel explores the many expansive possibilities inherent to the search.

Upon receiving his B.A. from Seattle Pacific University in 1992, Broel spent the next six years gaining insight and experience through travels around Southeast Asia and as the patineur for the Walla Walla Foundry. He used this time to cultivate his own manner of working and hone his skills as an artist. As the bronze coloration specialist at the Foundry, Broel consulted and worked for such artists as Jim Dine, Deborah Butterfield, David Bates, the late Nancy Graves and the late Robert Arneson. At the same time, he became increasingly influenced by and aware of the traditions and methods that thread Northwest artists together. Recurrent references to natural forms, energetic mark making and the mystical surface quality in his work connect Broel to those traditions.

Near the end of 1997, Broel left the Walla Walla Foundry to open Broel Studio. This move has allowed him to focus on his own work full time. Employing his education, knowledge of art history and experience as patineur, Broel is painting and sculpting to visually express everyday objects and experiences with thoughtful honesty and reflection. Broel’s current work continues in a variety of dimensions to explore the derivations of his abstract botanical paintings. Moving between works of large-scale and diminutive stature celebrates the inherent physicality of the creative process itself, and how changes in process build and affect meaning.

His work is in numerous private and public collections: examples include the Brooklyn Museum, Los Angeles County Museum, Swedish Hospital (Seattle, WA), Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA) and the City of Walla Walla. Broel has participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. While his work is exhibited internationally, Broel has chosen to live and work in Walla Walla, Washington. The isolation of his location allows him to develop his own visual voice that continues to gain attention outside the Northwest.