MEET THE MAKER

LOVE OUR COMMUNITY

JANICE BROWN

Local Sydneysider Janice Brown is one of the best Australiana artists in our country, with her vividly coloured acrylic works capturing our flora and iconic landmarks.

Janice would like to thank Anna Con artist and Owner of Laurel Leaf Bistro, an active supporter of artists and Dante Florez Videographer.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN A CAREER IN ART?

I began as a self-taught artist during the lockdown in Sydney back in 2020. After conflicting values and mismanagement with work at this time, I decided to take long service leave at half-pay to see if I would want to return to that position after lockdown. It was during this time that all my previous enjoyment in life was reawakened. All the courses in creativity, or work involved in photography, creative performance and animation came to the fore which reignited my desire to pursue this further. Starting small by experimenting with watercolours and inks to create all occasion greeting cards, based on my own photography, gave me so much satisfaction. I haven’t looked back and love the thrill of seeing buyers connect with my work. My passion now is producing large vibrant, eye-catching acrylic pieces on canvas to show off Australia through my distinct style of  fine art and abstracts. The specialty of creating a commission to meet a client’s specifications too, is very rewarding in so many ways.

What about Australia inspires your work?

The vibrant natural ‘colours’ of Australia.

The stunning aqua seascapes with contrasting white foam as it crashes onto the light golden sand, to the everchanging landscapes such as the rich red centre of Uluru and not forgetting our manmade ‘icons’ like the Sydney Opera House. Those glowing white tiles as permanent sails against the sky can change as a backdrop with neon displays in the annual ‘VIVID’ nights of Winter. In every Season, in any location, pops of colour make this country a spectacular sight and I endeavour to capture this in every individual artwork.

What’s so unique about our painters and other creatives in Australia compared to the rest of the world?

Australia has a distinguishable and transformative world through our native indigenous artists from the past and present. Their work began from actual minerals of f the ground and habitat to blend their unique style as a unique expression, symbolically creating visual storytelling to preserve our environment and authenticity for future generations. Their stories, talents and resilient drive for survival, alongside new immigrants, who’ve escaped from war-torn countries all over the world, bring a very personal, visual connectedness within each  community around Australia. This artistic pathway inspires and enriches everyone who lives or visits here to respect and appreciate the land down under.

What Australians have been role models in your  professional and personal life?

First and foremost in my personal life of over 35 years, my best friend and husband David Brown. My mum, Ann and my adult daughter Montana Sorbello who lives in NZ.

My close friends Terri, Gia and Rhoda, who have all overcome some type of trauma yet still managed to stay happy, goal oriented and positive. Their support and example have not only helped me but others too to look beyond the immediate day. Anh Do-inspirational speaker, survivor, author and visual artist. Ann Rayment, a South Coast artist and Maggie Joy from Darwin have both always been willing to answer any questions or provide advice on art. Ceramic artist Cara Kushlin reached out to me as an emerging artist to feature my work in her studio (Feb 16-22 2024) in Malvern East in Melbourne this month.

What piece of advice do you have for others when navigating dificult times in your business?

  • Seek professional knowledge by either someone you trust or a legal/ business advisor. 
  • Plan and prepare for the lows and highs of business. It won’t happen overnight but if you work hard it eventually will come your way- don’t give up if it makes you happy!

SMART approach as an acronym:

  • Seek the right advice
  • Make sure it is measurable
  • Always act in a way that is above board and honest
  • Realistic, reasonable and realistic goals set. To rise above the ebbs/waves at unexpected times.
  • Take time for yourself. Being in business requires commitment and hard work. You WILL be busy and make sacrifices for the thing you live to do. However, what’s the point if we become burnt out, loose precious friendships or relationships in the drive to stay afloat financially? Prioritise what is your motivation, desire or goals each quarter and annually. Probing questions will show whether you are ready or not!

What’s your plans for your business moving forward?

  1. Solo exhibition- February 16-22 in Melbourne.
  2. Goal – TOAF (The Other Art Fair in Sydney) or another similar large market.

I am focussing on gaining new clients and then seeing my big and bold underwater inspired abstracts in some big coastal homes or interior decorator magazines and reputable galleries around Australia.