Hey there,

I’m Denise, and I run Bro is for Broccoli, an independent creative and art studio. The studio began as an experiment, a way to explore and ask questions with no rubric or established frameworks. My practice involves translating ideas into mediums that would be relevant toward the concept, as well as the audience.

Though I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from San Francisco, my career path has meandered through creative business and research rather than traditional art practice. Returning to making feels both daunting and thrilling, a rediscovery of why I fell in love with creative exploration in the first place. I don’t know where this project will lead, but for now, I’m embracing the process and enjoying the ride.

People often ask where the studio name comes from. Bro is for Broccoli started as a playful thought, a reminder not to take life too seriously. The idea came to me during one of my long walks along the Regent’s Canal Towpath in London, where I’d people-watch and overhear conversations amongst the gongoozlers and canal side visitors.

The term “bro,” as an abbreviation of “brother,” has a long history. While often attributed to the 70s part of sufer-cool and thought of as a modern expression, it actually dates back to the 16th century. It's an ubiquitous term these days and a fun thought struck me then: what if “bro” was shorthand for broccoli, instead of brother? And I've never been able to think of the moniker the same way since. It’s small, silly idea that still makes me smile — and that spirit is something I hope to carry into all the work I do.

For more on the odd musing or two, my photojournal can be found over here.

hello,