While Cole DeBoer builds dream homes on HGTV, his older brother, Brock, creates art that transforms everyday objects into porcelain masterpieces.
“Teen Mom 2” and HGTV fans know Cole as the supportive husband and skilled craftsman on “Down Home Fab,” but many don’t realize his artistic talents might run in the family. His brother, Brock, has carved out an impressive career as a ceramic sculptor, working with porcelain to reimagine common objects in extraordinary ways.
The resemblance between the brothers is so striking that when Cole shared a rare photo of them together, fans immediately noticed their uncanny similarity. “Now I know what you’d look like with long hair. Twins!” one follower commented on the Instagram post. The main difference? Brock sports long hair while Cole maintains his signature short style.
1. He’s Two Years Older Than Cole and Lives Across the Country
Born in South Dakota in 1985, Brock is two years older than his famous sibling. While Cole stayed close to home, building his life with Chelsea in their $750,000 farmhouse, Brock ventured west to pursue his artistic dreams. He currently splits his time between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, California, where he operates his studio.
2. His Artistic Journey Started With Skateboarding
Brock’s journey into ceramics began unexpectedly during summer school as a teenager. “When I sat at the potter’s wheel, I was challenging myself almost the same way as I did skateboarding,” he told Colossal. “Like, okay, next one is gonna be taller or wider, or I’m going to make this shape I saw in a book, and almost overnight, I had found something that would change my life.”
3. He’s a Professional Ceramic Sculptor
His artistic education continued at Kansas City Art Institute, where he earned his BFA with a concentration in ceramics, according to Maune Contemporary. It was there that he was introduced to porcelain, the material that would define his career.
4. He Transforms Everyday Objects Into Porcelain Art
Brock specializes in creating porcelain sculptures that capture everyday items with museum-quality precision. His work features objects such as sneakers, basketballs, and radios, all rendered in delicate porcelain with classical blue-and-white patterns reminiscent of traditional historical pottery styles.
“The subjects, such as the sneakers, have a shelf life before the soles crumble and bubbles pop, and having the ability to preserve them and give them a new life is interesting to me,” he explained to Colossal. His sculptures become what he calls “heirlooms of the 21st century,” according to his artist statement.
5. He Took a Major Risk to Pursue Art Full-Time
The decision to pursue art full-time required significant courage. “When I think back about a risk I have taken the one that really sticks out was to bet on myself and pursue my career as a full time artist,” Brock shared with CanvasRebel Magazine. “This risk though has been the best I could have taken.”
His work has gained national and international recognition, with exhibitions at galleries across the country. Brock continues to expand his practice, having recently learned glass casting and metal fabrication to incorporate into future projects.
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Cole DeBoer’s Brother Brock: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know