How Did Lockdown Begin a New Chapter for Janice Brown?

This interview for the Arts to Hearts Project website spotlights Sydney-based educator and maker Janice Brown, the force behind Sydney InSights. With qualifications from Macquarie University (BADip Ed; Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL, 2000–2007), Janice teaches English and Visual Arts in NSW while building a practice that took a sharp turn during the 2020 lockdown.

In our conversation, Janice shares how classroom rigour and studio play feed each other; why texture, bold palettes, and Australia’s shifting land and sea keep drawing her back; and what it really takes to keep going, time management, steady practice, and the not-so-glam costs behind every entry fee, exhibition, and marketing push. She walks us through the evolution from photographs to mixed-media canvases and cards, and opens up about her next chapter: a children’s book, Stuck in the Mug, shaped by years of teaching, parenting, and grandparenting.

What we learned: creativity thrives on routine as much as impulse; a teacher’s eye can sharpen an artist’s decisions; and a sustainable career often relies on parallel roles and community touchpoints. Janice’s story anchored in place, education, and clear purpose reminds us that progress is built one experiment, one show, and sometimes one greeting card at a time. Dive into the full interview to hear how she builds momentum, keeps students engaged, and brings the changing Australian landscape into her work for our Arts to Hearts Project readers.

Janice is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Animal Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Janice has always been creative ever since she was young. Her interest in performing arts and teaching became a driving force for her to gain qualifications to become a teacher. During lockdown in 2020, she came to a realisation which profoundly moved her interest further by reevaluating her circumstances. This was her chance to further see where this interest would lead. Through experimentation and using acrylics on canvas, her passion ignited. Now, her signature style is widely known based on texture, bold palettes and Australian abstracts, leaving her mark as an emerging Australiana artist. Her self-expression through mixed media shows her thoughtful, systematic approach with every design produced, to evoke harmony and joy to others.

1. Your journey began in performing arts and education, and later turned toward visual art during the lockdown. How did that turning point shape the way you approach creativity today?  

This visual art journey has taught me a lot about decision making, using my time wisely and helping others to see their own potential as an artist. Over the years, it is apparent of the growth as an artist. It shows within the artworks themselves. The more you practise or experiment with colour and discovery, the more personal joy and satisfaction you gain. To bring that essence to others today is one of the aspects of satisfaction you receive through resilience. In a very turbulent system, the rewards of creating helps us stay grounded, find joy and hope whilst bringing those values to others.

Australia is widely recognised for its raw, natural beauty. Whether it’s a landscape or seascape, textural aspects or elements are quintessential throughout this vast land.

Janice Brown

2.    Texture, bold palettes, and Australian abstracts have become central to your style. What draws you to these elements, and how do they connect with your sense of place in Australia?  

Australia is widely recognised for its raw, natural beauty. Whether it’s a landscape or seascape, textural aspects or elements are quintessential throughout this vast land. Life and scenery in this country is continually changing. One year there may be drought, the next may yield floods. Much of the circumstances within Australia are out of our control but one thing I am happy with in my work, is the desire to show depth, earthy tones and the natural beauty under the Southern Cross. To design places that show aspects of change, movement and dimension through mixed media, allows me to bring a heightened appreciation to this wonderful place in the South Pacific-Australia.

3.    Alongside painting, you’ve continued teaching English and visual arts in schools. How does your role as an educator influence your practice as an artist, and vice versa?  

To inspire students through my instruction, teaching practice and passion is truly rewarding to me. Seeing students become immersed with insights, knowledge and then using their own hands to produce visual texts is something I aspire to as a teacher. Some students have created works which have astounded me! Many have a natural gift and they just need the encouragement and platform for them to shine to see that their efforts are tangible and can go places.

4.      From greeting cards inspired by photography to exhibitions across Sydney and beyond, your work has travelled through many forms. What has surprised you the most about this evolution?  

For me, the biggest surprise has been the cost of proving yourself as an artist. The behind the scenes work which goes into the insurmountable aspects of every way forward is truly not spoken of enough. Each time you enter an art competition, it costs money. When you are holding an exhibition in a gallery it costs money. To market your work or use advertising, again it costs you. The only way I can continually fund my small business is by working as a teacher part time. It’s something I am very grateful for and certainly don’t take for granted one bit.

This visual art journey has taught me a lot about decision making, using my time wisely and helping others to see their potential as an artist.

Janice Brown

5.  You’re preparing to release your first children’s book, Stuck in the Mug. What inspired you to expand into storytelling for children, and how do you see it fitting with your visual art journey?  

I have always loved writing- since the sixth grade in primary school. I still remember one of my best pieces of writing and how the use of vocabulary causes pictures within the mind of the reader. I have always wanted to write a story but it never seemed to have arisen to di so. Then, this year a popup on social media showed a way that I could publish my own. They say ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ right- well, ‘Stuck in the Mug’ came along effortlessly. In this book, my choice of words are thoughtful and conversational. The illustrations are digital and produced through my publishing team. As a parent, teacher, artist and now a grandmother & author, it’s a natural progression I’d say. Through my own experiences in life, the book aims to capture timely consideration of relationships. The value, importance and treasure they hold in a fragile world. Although it is pitched for 8-10 year olds, the underlying implications are implied and given to parents and adults too.

6.   Looking back at your exhibitions, awards, and community projects over the past few years, which experience has stayed with you the most, and why?  

My first exhibition ‘GRACE’ (alongside a fellow artist) in Kirribilli. It was so wonderful to actually see my work in a gallery. To have friends and the public come along and see, and to listen to my stories behind each piece. Their reviews truly astonished me and assisted me in not giving up on something which gives me immense joy. You really come to appreciate that different pieces appeal to different people for a particular reason or connection. It’s taught me that you can be a little bit critical of your work whilst others gain their own appreciation of it.

Janice Brown’s artwork celebrates the textures, colours, and ever-changing landscapes of Australia, weaving together her background in education with her passion for experimentation in visual media. From photography to watercolour, mixed media, and now children’s storytelling, her journey shows how creativity can grow in unexpected directions when nurtured with persistence and curiosity.

What we learn from her story is that making art is as much about discovery and resilience as it is about sharing beauty with others. Through her practice, Janice reminds us that joy, discipline, and connection are essential to sustaining creativity.

To learn more about Janice, click the following links to visit her profile.

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