10 Questions with Ellerie Brust

Ellerie is an editorial photographer and photo editor who began her career at fifteen in traditional portraiture. Over the past seven years, she has expanded her style to include various photography mediums, with a focus on music photography.

elleriesgallery.mypixieset.com | @ellerietakesphotos

ARTIST STATEMENT

There is power in people coming together and taking action. The contributions of Ellerie's neighbors, friends, and colleagues have only enriched the value of her work. It wouldn't be the same if her focus had not been so local. Burlington has a timeless quality that allows people of all skill levels to build on each other's creativity. Ellerie hopes her work inspires others to engage more actively in their community—not just artistically but politically as well. Humans are inherently social creatures, and in a time when technology seems to dominate, Ellerie believes it is crucial to remember what drives us to create and take action. The answer often lies in our connections with loved ones, a truth as old as humanity itself.

January, Nick Granelle - 01, Photo, 2025 © Ellerie Brust

INTERVIEW

What first drew you to photography, and how did your creative journey evolve over time?

I honestly can't remember what first drew me to photography. I have always been creative, exploring various mediums, from painting to scene-writing (I used to be heavily involved in theater). My creative journey evolved to become more concentrated once I felt like I aligned with an artistic expression that felt true to myself. However, I think it is imperative to try everything you can get your hands on. Having an open mind and remaining curious has made me a better artist.

Burlington, VT, plays a central role in your work. How has this city shaped your artistic vision compared to largercultural hubs?

Burlington was able to influence my artistic vision because of its particular aesthetic combined with its isolated yet dense population. Burlington's population is under 45,000 people, which is smaller than other cultural hubs. Not only that, but it is the biggest city in the entire state. So, its identity has been able to develop in relative isolation. I interpret Burlington's aesthetic through its specific qualities: the DIY rock and punk music scene, the proximity to nature (specifically Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains), and the prominent population of young college students and post-grads. I will say that the trends I noticed to be popular here are American fashion trends ranging from the 1970s to the 90s.

October, Dj New Mantra, Kate Kush, & Kaia Ellis - 069, Photo, 2024 © Ellerie Brust

October, Dj New Mantra, Kate Kush, & Kaia Ellis - 181, Photo, 2024 © Ellerie Brust

Your work captures the essence of Burlington's creative community. How do you approach photographing artists and their environments to reflect their energy and spirit?

I feel very lucky because there isn't much communication necessary for me to curate that essence. I believe because we're on the same wavelength, able to have an unspoken understanding. I always ask artists if they are looking for anything specific before their show, for example, specific angles or color grading. However, as time progressed, the people I photographed seemed to trust my previous work enough to allow me to have full creative control.

What emotions or narratives do you aim to evoke through your photography? Is there a particular story you've captured that stands out to you?

I love this question because it drives straight to what I try to convey through my work. What I evoke through my work is reminiscent of the Renaissance art period. I see this through dimensional lighting, multiple intertwining subjects, and themes of deities. I view my subjects as legends in the community because of their talent, gusto, and ability to create magic without the same resources or opportunities you could find in a larger city. I want them to leave an iconic impression on the viewer as if they were a deity themselves.

Your photography is deeply rooted in gratitude and appreciation for your creative peers. How do collaboration and community influence your process?

I find the collaboration with my community rewarding because we are making art for the sake of making it, versus making a profit. I believe that ties in with the DIY themes found in Burlington. Its homemade nature is what makes it authentic and, therefore, magnetic. Making art and sharing it with others humbles you because you are contributing to something bigger than yourself. This is what makes people legends in my opinion. They can invent something that can be shared with their peers for cultural enrichment, not capital. The rejection of capitalism is what motivates me to keep going.

November, Isaac Raven - 37, Photo, 2024 © Ellerie Brust

Burlington has a strong independent art and music scene. How do you see your work contributing to or documenting this cultural movement?

I believe documenting is the perfect description of what I do. I cannot play an instrument to save my life, so I cannot connect to the scene through that alone. However, I appreciate music and watching my friends doing what they love. It's my appreciation that makes me feel connected. I also believe what I'm witnessing deserves to be documented because of its value. I have never witnessed an emerging scene like this before. And to be witnessing it first-hand versus learning about it decades later is a gift. I feel like my contribution to the movement is through my particular type of expression, photography.

Can you tell us about a recent project that felt particularly meaningful to you? What did you hope to communicate through it?

In March, I am hosting my first gallery exhibition in town at a local coffee shop called Muddy Waters. My gallery is going to consist of fifteen of the bands I've shot in Burlington. This project is meaningful to me because this will be the first time where I can share my art in person with all the people who helped make it happen. I hope that through my gallery, I can communicate my gratitude for the community and what can emerge from participating in the world around them.

Have you encountered any unexpected moments or surprises while capturing Burlington's artistic scene?

I believe the best surprises I've encountered are how different the bands can be in the scene. One of my favorite examples is this one band called Solgyers. They are not native to Burlington, but they've played here before. Many bands from New England come to Burlington to perform. Solgyers is a nine-person punk-reggae band with an elaborate horns section. When I shot them in August (2024) it was at the Publishing House (Burlington has residential housing that also serves as music venues, strictly in basements) I was so impressed with their horn section, especially because they were able to play in a sweaty basement with a bunch of kids moshing around. That was a delight to photograph.

Do you see your work expanding beyond Burlington, or is documenting this specific creative community your long-term focus?

I am open to expanding my work beyond Burlington. I've worked with some artists in New York City who have developed a unique sound in their own right. I think I talk a lot about Burlington because it is what's unfolding in front of me right now. But, I am also excited to explore new places with different identities.

Lastly, what upcoming projects or ideas are you excited to explore next?

I am looking forward to more editorial projects. I am planning a gas station-vampire-themed photoshoot with some of my new and returning clients of mine. I feel like something I don't get the opportunity to mention is that I do love conceptualizing shoots. I'm not able to do that with band photography. However, I'm excited about what new ideas I come up with in the future.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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