Staff Show 2016: Brittany-Rose O'Dowd

In this series, Education Specialist for Public Programs Emily Bray highlights participants in the 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show, on view through September 19, 2016. 

   Brittany-Rose O’Dowd 

 Tell us about yourself. 

I am an amateur of many media—I photograph nature, paint bright abstract pieces, and do still life and studies in charcoal. 

What do you do at The Phillips Collection? Are there any unique/interesting parts about your job that most people might not know about? 

I work in Membership and Development, and my job consists of keeping our database clean and up to date, processing gifts, and helping out wherever the Membership team needs it. 

Who are your favorite artists in the collection? I love Sam Gilliam. The first time I saw his work in the gallery I gasped, it was so beautiful! I’m also a big Degas fan. I was home-schooled when I was very young and he was a favorite artist of ours to learn about. 

What is your favorite gallery or space within The Phillips Collection? 

I enjoy the second floor of the original Phillips house a lot. I always find something that I love there, and since it’s small and quiet I get to spend time alone with the works. 

What would you like people to know about your artwork on view in the 2016 Staff Show (or your work in general)? 

I selected this study because I had seen an image with the figure posed this way, and found the torso almost disturbing—it seemed twisted and uncomfortable. I never had an art-anatomy course so it was new to me to think about what the muscles and bones are doing under the skin. Portraits and figures are not something I usually draw, so it was a challenge to me, but I enjoyed it.

The 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show is on view August 14 through September 19, 2016.