How Artist Janice Brown’s Paintings Capture the Beauty of Marine Life
Janice Brown is a primary school teacher from Sydney who became a self-taught artist during the 2020 lockdown. In this interview, she shares her creative journey and how art became an outlet for positivity during challenging times. Janice talks about how her love for vibrant colors and the ocean shaped her innovative style, highlighting marine life’s beauty and fragility. She also opens up about her creative evolution, the joy of working on commissions, and the role of experimentation in her work.
Sydneysider and Primary School Teacher with a BA Dip Education Primary and Post Graduate Certificate TESOL from Macquarie University who became a self-taught artist during lockdown in 2020. Creation, Imagination, Contemplation, and Conversation. These state my systematic approach to every artwork designed. My signature style strives to capture elements underneath the layers of the ocean that are alive and impacted by human interference. ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and this essence is boldly derived through vivid, rich colors and the use of textured creatures or reefs. Strategically planned, prepared, and placed to achieve a unique Australian story of the authenticity and wonderment of our habitat, plus an awareness of concern for our future. Human impact on the natural world is exposed and brought to life through the unseen realm below our ocean, causing each viewer to see what is at stake.
The rapid brushed movement to slowly caressed seemingly random shapes are overlaid with textural elements, defining the movement and the majesty of the oceanic experience. Eye-catching contrast, 3D positions, or seemingly lost fish are among the many formations within each visual story. Using bright, bold, or fluro colors within each palette, I demand an immediate response to evoke contemplation and conversation. In each artwork, I filter through varying layers to create often unseen aspects, creating a desire to keep coming back to identify these hidden sights amongst specific detail elements. Symbolising the sense of ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’, result from constant peering and pondering to reflect the sense of importance to preserve life respectively and artfully. Juxtaposition, judgment, and reflective contemplation below each peripheral highlight the hidden dangers and distress that may impede each natural seascape or landscape. The audience is intrigued by subtle or deliberate exposure through dichotomies of wonder and concern over the natural environment. Whether as a glorified seascape or a stark confrontational deconstructive piece, all are aimed to demand a response. The truth often does hurt, appearing from within the subconscious mind, and should that outcome be achieved from my work, then my aim is complete.
1. What inspired you to start your art journey in 2020, and how has your creative style evolved since then?
During the lockdown, I needed a chance to tune out of my workplace and began using my own photographic scenes to transform into small watercolor artworks. To create some happiness during this uncertain, negative time. Surprisingly, these images were favored more than the original photos, and they gave me so much joy. I took an extended service leave for six months to explore this new journey. From these small pieces of art to ongoing experimentation of all mediums, I continue to love my decision to change my circumstances in more than one way. Today, creating abstracts and figurative work on large canvas’ including acrylic& mixed media of all sizes, I aim to bring boldness, intrigue, and communication through every piece I create.
Human impact on the natural world is exposed and brought to life through the unseen realm below our ocean, causing each viewer to see what really is at stake.
Janice Brown
2. You mention a love for vibrant colors. How do you choose the color palettes for your pieces, and what emotions do you hope to evoke?
Most of my work is inspired by an array of photographic scenes of nature, landscapes, or icons in Australia. I endeavor to be authentic and create another representation or abstract version, using as close to the original image as possible. I aim to enliven, inspire, and generate conversation and joy by using bright colors to grab the audience’s attention or simply uplift a room.
3. Can you share a memorable experience from your commission work and what it means to you to collaborate with clients?
One client requested a favourite memory, which involved the family sharing the ski slopes in Canada. This one challenged me because it didn’t match the color palette I was used to. As it was such a momentous occasion, I painted over and restarted again as I wasn’t happy with the first version. Determined not to give up, I listened to a close family member who suggested making it a little abstract rather than a full photo representation. To my surprise, it worked! Not only was I proud of the outcome, but the texturing also showed a sense of movement through the lines on the slope and the dimensional transfer of angles. The recipients were blown away so much that it was hung on one of the most significant walls in their house. They even commented that every time they see it, it takes them back to that special holiday in Canada. To collaborate with a client to achieve a joint desired outcome gives you the most satisfying and enjoyable recognition. One that surpasses monetary value.
4. What role does experimentation play in your creative process, and are there any new techniques or materials you’re excited to explore?
Experimentation plays a vital part in my creative process. Over the years, moving from watercolors to acrylic has given me a new perspective on using these different paints. For example, adding modeling paste or other elements or embellishments to create more of a 3D accent to a piece has allowed me to experiment to achieve what I had set out to do or accomplish. To test myself as an artist and a designer, I must try to reinvent or challenge perceived concepts. Plus, ensure you are not becoming complacent but develop new skills and insights. In my upcoming Canvas series, I aim to place actual material/fabric on each piece of work to assist in providing another side/style. I guess you could say a combination of both painting and collage to give a new look to my work style.
To enliven, inspire and create conversation and joy is my aim in using bright colours to grab the audiences attention or to simply uplift a room.
Janice Brown
5. How do you feel your art contributes to bringing positivity and joy to others, and what feedback from your audience has resonated with you the most?
Each piece makes a positive statement. The colors are chosen deliberately to evoke a feeling of positivity and joy in every viewer. You could say my work is never dark, dismal, or hostile but outstandingly the opposite. I’ve had countless times where total strangers have stated that I have an overall positive nature emanating from my presence and work. Even the work that raises environmental caution and awareness is outdone by the colorful, insightful images that overtake the cautionary message. I am a positive person; this naturally comes out in my artwork.
Janice Brown’s story shows how creativity can bring positivity and change into our lives. From starting as a way to escape the stresses of lockdown to creating vibrant, meaningful art, she reminds us that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Through her bright colors and unique textures, Janice hopes to spark joy, inspire thought, and encourage people to appreciate the beauty of nature, especially what lies beneath the ocean’s surface. To learn more about Janice, click the following links to visit her profile.
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