Inspiration is Everywhere on King Island

I love it when things just work.

That one amazing brushstroke that elevates the ordinary to something that makes you go “wow, that’s it”.

When colours come together in a way that’s so bold they explode off the canvas, or so subtle that they leave just a hint of what might be.

It happens when I’m in the zone. I love that feeling.

Creating On King Island

I’m so fortunate to live on King Island. Theres’s inspiration everywhere from the textures and colours of the amazing flora, the wild seascapes and undulating green pastures. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular.

The creative people of the Island are incredibly generous and supportive with sharing their skills.

The Island has allowed me the space, the time and the abundance that I need to grow as an artist.

A Love For Art Since Childhood

I’ve loved art since I was a kid. I was a terrible student and would avoid school most subjects that bought me no joy, but I would always front up for art class.

I got out the school system as soon as I could. I’ve worked at all sorts of jobs since I started adulting, some that I loved like riding racehorses and show jumpers, lead lighting, and gardening and then there was the usual soul-destroying stuff a grown-up has to do to pay the bills.

At one stage I even worked for the Government but let’s not speak of that ever again.

Sketching and Upcycling Nurturing Creativity

There was very little opportunity to be creative in the way I had hoped for, but I would sketch in my spare time, make silly cards for friends and embellish random pieces of furniture found during the local councils’ hard waste drive (the best week of the year).

Art was always something I would get to one day. Fast forward to 2012 when I moved, with my new and better husband, to King Island.

Completely broken by mainland life, I had to make some changes.

I found that all of a sudden had the luxury of time like I’d never had before, so I started to use that time to be creative, and it bought me joy. I began to heal and I haven’t stopped.

Growing with Exhibitions

Opportunities to share my art are limited on King Island so I make the most of what’s on offer. More recently I have started applying to participate in exhibitions off the Island.

I participated in Incognito this year with my three pieces selling on the first day. I was so encouraged by my success in Incognito that with my husband’s encouragement I applied for the Flourish Exhibition at Aspire gallery in Brisbane.

Two of my works were accepted with one piece being the first work of the exhibition to sell. I was super stoked and now I have been bitten by the bug I can’t wait to get more of my work out and about.

It’s all very new to me and a huge learning experience. We have visiting artists who share their skills with workshops and classes and regular exhibitions.

Really Looking at Works

I have participated in many local exhibitions, and I can tell you that I do not enjoy an opening at all. Too peopley for me.

I do love to go when no one else is around and explore.

I like to take my time and really look at each piece. I love to see my work on the wall of the local gallery with all the other works.

Being involved in Incognito was a blast. I had never painted anything so small before (A5).

The three pieces took me weeks, and many swear words to complete. I found the size restriction incredibly challenging, but I survived, they sold, and the money raised has helped an artist with different abilities realise their goals.

Prior to Incognito I usually worked on large pieces and now I’m loving the small stuff. To me, my art is such a personal thing. I put my heart into it.

It’s not just time and a few supplies, it’s my DNA. To exhibit something that you’ve worked so hard on and put so much of yourself into is a difficult thing.

Freedom from Fear

The fear of being judged, the possibility of being criticised and making myself vulnerable to all sorts of negativity would have crippled me in the past but not anymore.

Getting old has taught me not to care so much about the judgment of others because their negativity is their burden to carry.

Instead, Be Joyful!

Be joyful, love what you do, make art and share it with as many people as you can. I’m keen for my art to participate in more exhibitions just don’t expect me to be at the opening because I’ll be at home, in my studio, with my dog working on the next exhibition. when the opportunity arises.

About the Artist

Being an artist is a huge part of who I am. I love the freedom of creating for the sheer joy of it.

Some days I get up early and wander out into my studio in my PJs with a coffee and next minute its lunch time and I’m still in my PJs. I could pinch myself. How lucky am I?

I don’t think I own one article of clothing that doesn’t have paint on it, and I love it. I get so excited when I hear that magical ping on my phone from Australia Post to tell me that my latest order of art supplies has arrived.

I jump into my car and drive to town to pick them up, covered in paint and looking like a homeless person and I don’t care because I’ve got the Da Vinci brush I’ve waited months for.

If I wake up at 2am and I don’t have to go to work that day, then I’ll head to my studio. It’s such a magical time of day to be creative.

No distractions, just quiet.

Every day is an adventure, and I don’t have to leave home to experience it.

I notice when I paint regularly that the world appears more colorful.

Artists see the world differently. Aren’t we fortunate?

Be sure to follow the Janet on Facebook and Instagram for her latest work, sources of inspiration and exhibition news.