Interview
Janice Brown
Janice Brown was born in 1965, and grew up in Bundeena and Busby NSW. In 1988 she married her husband, David. They have two children, Mitchell born in 1993 and Montana born in 1995.
She has worked in various fields including photography, animation, retail and administration. She worked as a teacher’s aide for 10 years before receiving a BA dip Ed in Primary Education and then a post graduate certificate in TESOL, both at Macquarie University in Sydney.
In 2020, Janice taught herself how to work with watercolours and mixed media. This led to the launch of her art business, Sydney InSights, in February 2021.
Janice’s hobbies are teaching children and adults to be lifelong learners, art, travel and exploring different cultures and food.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve grown up loving art ever since I was young. This centered mostly around the performing arts, both onstage and later, as a primary school teacher, a choreographer for various dance groups. Over the last 10 years, however, my teaching role has involved a lot more visual art. The reciprocal enrichment for each student and myself was a huge reward, and it even increased their skills in other subject areas too.
As the world plowed into new challenges and a new way of life in 2020, I too started feeling a change was needed in my work environment. It was bringing me down, so I took the initiative from something I read to give ‘art’ a go. This was a huge awakening and it felt like walking through a doorway into a new chapter. I started by using watercolour pencils to depict my own photography of landscapes, seascapes and Sydney icons. My new journey gave me so much joy.
On 1 February 2021, I launched my own small art business, Sydney InSights. This depicts my own photographs and impressions from hand-drawn and painted representations or expressions. These are then copied and arranged onto 100% recycled card paper by a local printing company to produce all occasion greeting Cards. I also delve into exploring A3 watercolour paintings and mixed medium from various inspirations.”
What inspires you most?
“My family, the natural environment and the animal kingdom inspire me the most. My spirituality and love of the only True God gives me joy everyday. Sure, there are times that can be ridiculously challenging and downright painful … but if we view every single second as a way to make others feel better, then we’ve achieved a lot.
‘One day at a time’ has been my motto for quite some time now, particularly as I have had chronic health issues for the past 9 years. We’ve been given the instruction book on making each day worthwhile. We just need to read and apply it, and then see the bright future ahead here on earth.”
“Creativity begins with creation.
We were born to create, not to destroy. Born with senses to appreciate, not tear apart. We were given a conscious awareness and consciousness to achieve happiness.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I love colour, the brighter the better. My themes centre on the natural landscape and the joy it brings to our eyes. When people meet me for the first time, they often say, “You’re a positive person and your way of seeing things is great.” I have lived through many traumas in the past but consider myself a survivor. This has toughened me up, I must say, but not made me bitter! Hope, harmony and an enjoyment of life is what I want to bring to others when they see my work.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work ranges from quirky to a visual collision of colour. In my mixed medium art, I have recycled fallen leaves, nature which has been dismissed, and roses petals. I see it as an opportunity to recreate these little treasures into a wall art which can stay alive for years to come.
I hope my work enlivens, is met with a smile and has a connection for others to brighten their day and beyond.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Salvador Dali and Picasso. They equally use explosions of colour, shapes, expressions and creativity in their work.”
What is your creative process like?
“My work usually begins with a photographic image I’ve taken. This sets up a scene. What inspired me to take this shot? What was the angle or way in which I framed it? How am I going to re-imagine my photo into a symbolism or expressionism of it? What colours will I use? How will those who view it connect? These questions are usually the beginning of my setup. The rest often takes shape by osmosis or serendipity.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“This is a huge question. An artist’s role, to me, is to take delight in self-expression, and to reveal how they feel by showing it through their work.
Artists, really, are just like everyone else with similar strengths and similar weaknesses. However, artists who have been fortunate enough to take the next step into business can inspire others to do the same. Two things are needed: courage and motivation. Despite the poor environment around us, there is a bright future ahead. It is up to each and everyone of us to search for it.
SEE, CAPTURE, CREATE!”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As of now, you can view my work publicly through local markets. My work is also on sale at Artisan Collective Australia, Bluethumb and Saatchi Art. I’ve also been a member of Photocrowd since September 2021. The 4th edition Boomer Magazine will feature me under ‘Emerging Artist’.”
