Fairbrother’s early development as an artist was shaped by an abundance of making. From crayon and marker drawings to small air-dry clay sculptures, she approached each project without hesitation or fear. Even at an early age, she was captivated by process and the ability to make something with her hands. She consistently looked forward to her art classes far more than her regular coursework throughout elementary school and middle school. 

Much of her early artwork has been carefully archived by her mother, preserving a tangible record of her growth. When placed alongside her current work, these childhood pieces illuminate the continuities and transformations within Fairbrother’s practice, revealing how early, instinctive gestures can gradually mature into a more intentional and refined artistic language.