Bridging psychology and studio art

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Brooke Jennings

By Jessica Krueger, CLA Student Writer - September 25, 2025

Ask Brooke Jennings, '25, what psychology and art have in common and they’ll tell you: “They go hand-in-hand." Jennings graduated magna cum laude in spring 2025 with a major in psychology and a minor in studio art, areas of study which–as Jennings has engaged with them–are more similar than they might appear. 

Jennings decided to pursue a degree in psychology because they wanted to better understand how people think and behave. “Psychology is fundamentally important in how we interact with people and the world,” they said. “Even if your work isn’t in a psychology field, it’s still super valuable information to have.” 

Throughout the course of their academic career, Jennings learned about development, decision-making processes, interpersonal relationships and the internal and external factors which shape peoples’ lived experience. As a research assistant in Dr. Jeff Loucks’ CHILD Lab, Jennings learned about memory and attention span, working with Loucks in the preliminary stages of his research to better understand how young children observe and learn sequences of actions.

If psychology is the means by which Jennings has come to understand the mind, it is their artwork which aims to connect people and emphasize the importance of having empathy for one another. Using a wide range of mediums from acrylic paint to digital software, Jennings’ most recent works abstracts the human figure with bright colors and interesting postures to evoke a connection between the physical body and the expression of emotion.  

“I really enjoy focusing on themes of the body,” they said. “Figure represents who we are, but at the same time we are so much more than the way that we look.” Art is a way to bridge these internal and external selves, they continued, emphasizing its therapeutic capacities. 

“There’s such an interesting relationship between art and psychology. Obviously there are different ways that they present themselves to the world, but there’s so much with art that involves processing things, the way that we behave, and self-expression. Art is a healing process.”

Asked about their classes in studio art, Jennings expressed gratitude for their instructors: “They have so much knowledge about art and they’re so helpful with offering guidance, but they’ll still give you the space to express yourself the way you want. It’s nice to have people who you feel like are rooting for you in your career and in your studies because art is obviously very subjective.” 

Jennings has enjoyed making art since they were a young child. In 2020, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jennings realized their love of painting was something more than just a hobby. That’s when, they said, everything started to click.

During their time at Oregon State, Jennings’ work was featured twice in the university’s art and literary journal PRISM, in volumes 144 and 145. Their work was highlighted again in spring of 2025 when Orange Media Network (OMN) videographers met Jennings in the art studio to see them paint in action.

“The process of making art is its own art form,” they told the camera, meanwhile adding the finishing touches to their canvas painting of a bright red apple core. “I’m just putting my all into it, or even if I don't put my all into it, (I’m) just giving what I can to it and (with) that I feel accomplished.”

Besides their contributions to OMN, Jennings also served as a marketing officer for Montage Collective in 2024, a long-standing fine arts club on campus which promotes fine art and gathers student artists together throughout the Corvallis community.

“I had a lot of fun living in Corvallis,” Jennings said. “I also really enjoyed the campus. It was a really beautiful place to live and such a relaxing place to be at. I met a lot of amazing people. All of the programs that I was a part of were very supportive and welcoming. They always wanted you to be involved, which I think is really special.”

Originally from Orange County, California, Jennings came to Oregon State University as a recipient of the Provost’s Distinguished Scholarship. They didn’t want to attend college in California and felt that Oregon had a lot to offer with its community and natural environment. 

Now that they have graduated, Jennings is moving back to Southern California to be closer to friends and family. They have a full time position lined up working in risk management.

And in their time off? Jennings will be making an impact in Southern California’s local art scene. They are inspired by its vibrant culture and are excited to connect with local artists. There, Jennings will continue their craft, with dreams of one day becoming a tattoo artist and pursuing their art full time. 

“I’m not really someone who has a direct goal with my career right now. I just want to keep my doors open,” Jennings said.

“You don’t always need direction,” they added. “Sometimes it’s helpful to go with the flow of life."