Meet Brandee Kaylene Ross
Brandee is the namesake of "Brandee Kaylene Ross - Art," and creates beautiful and functional pottery. Born in 1978, she was raised by her two loving parents, along with her brother in Lapeer, Michigan. Her mother, also artistic, fostered her interest in creative arts from a young age. She drove her to the Flint Institute of Arts for art instruction, enrolled her in tap dancing classes, shuffled her to private oboe lessons for six years, and gave her every art supply she asked for.
Brandee is graciously supported in her artistic endeavors as an adult, thanks to her adoring
husband. All of her work is done from her private home studio, located between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan
Why did you choose to partner with Yellow Door to sell your artwork?
I began selling my pottery in 2010, the same year Yellow Door opened. Setting up for the
Berkley Art Bash, I watched as a line started and grew around the corner of a city block.
People were early to the show and waiting to get inside Catching Fireflies for a sales event. It
was clear April and Steve knew how to generate buzz (pun intended), and Yellow Door Art
Market was no exception. From day one, the store has been filled with fun, creative goods
from a variety of talented Michigan artists and I’m humbled to be included among them.
How long have you been creating your artwork?
As long as I could hold a crayon, I’ve been making things. My interest in pottery began in 1994
when I took classes for wheel throwing at Flint Institute of Arts. Since then I have had many
artistic jobs, including: oboe teacher, one-hour photo lab technician,
photographer, graphic designer, potter, candy maker...
What makes your artwork unique or distinctive?
My pottery features batik-like patterns which are created with hand-painted wax resist.
The forms are modern but classic, and each one can be used with food and drink. They are:
● Individually Crafted by the Artist
● Dishwasher Safe
● Microwave Safe
● Food Safe
● Cadmium & Lead Free
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
An ice cream truck driver, a photographer, an artist...
What inspired you to start creating your artwork & how did you turn it into a business?
I was working as a graphic designer and taking ceramics courses at a local community
college. Evaluating the results of a class firing, my professor told me," You could sell these
mugs." Until then I had never considered trying to monetize pottery because it was just a
hobby; his comment gave me the confidence to pursue making a business out of clay.
What do you most love about the creative process?
Everything – especially the feeling I get creating something with my hands.
What do you enjoy doing besides making art?
Making other art, bicycling, cooking, walking my cat, playing tabletop board
games, caring for our pet sugar gliders.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Charles & Ray Eames
Andy Warhol
Todd Oldham
(www.toddoldhamstudio.com)
Bill Van Gilder
(www.vangilderpottery.com)
Quotes you love or live by?
“I think everybody should be nice to everybody.” –Andy Warhol
Any other trivia you’d like to share about yourself?
I got married over 20 years ago in a Las Vegas drive-thru wedding chapel, have three sugar
gliders, two cats, and one human son.
Next time you're at Yellow Door, be sure to check out Brandee's space. She can also be found on her website and on Instagram.