We spoke to Brooke about her journey as an artist and the inspiration behind her new show 'Memories from the Land'.
Congratulations on your upcoming solo exhibition 'Memories from the Land'. Can you share with us what inspired the collection?
My memories from growing up on the land in the north-west of Tasmania are the inspiration behind this exhibition. In particular, I am inspired by the winter months, as I vividly recall the sodden paddocks and stormy or blanketed skies. The skies captured in my paintings are also symbolic of the isolation of this remote rural location and loneliness that can accompany this. However, this time alone allows for contemplation and awareness of space, and provides time to seek beauty in the surrounding environment. Therefore, while my paintings are often quite dark, it is also important to me that I capture this sense of beauty in my work.
Is there a particular piece from the exhibition that stands out for you? (Maybe one you are most fond of, or a piece that challenged you more than others?)
I feel a strong connection to all of the pieces that I have created for this exhibition, so it’s incredibly hard to pinpoint just one particular painting, as they all have sentimental value. I must say though that I’m very fond of the painting Upon The Green Hills, and it is always a challenge to capture the lighting and the shadows on this land formation. In this body of work, I also decided to include two artworks that capture mist, as a symbolic gesture to the way that memories can sometimes become foggy with the passing of time. I enjoyed the artistic process of this variant to my aesthetic, and I find the muted colour palette to be appealing.
What do you hope people will feel when viewing your work from this exhibition?
I personally feel a great sense of nostalgia when I view my own works, and it is my hope that those who view these paintings will also experience this sensation. As the title of this exhibition ‘Memories from the Land’ suggests, I would like people to be reminded of their past experiences and connection to the land.
We’d love to learn more about your creative process, how do you go about starting a new body of works?
All of my paintings are firstly inspired by the memories that I have; these are sometimes just snippets of information. I then go out into the field and take photographs and sketches of places that resonate with these memories. from there I create digital collages, and during this process, I’m very mindful of the design principles and elements, insuring that each design is well balanced, consists of beautiful contrast and textures.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
When it comes to influences there is always one comes to mind and that is the artist Andrew Wyeth. His painting ‘Christina’s world’ was the first of his works that I was exposed to and it really had a profound impact. An artwork can make you feel things and realise things about yourself that perhaps you wouldn’t have otherwise realised. In that way, art can be very powerful.
Can you tell us about the story of how you became an artist?
I was quite young when I made the decision that art had to play important role in my life; as a result of this I pursued a career pathway in the arts which led me to art school in Hobart at the age of 18. After studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours, I then went on to complete my bachelor of teaching and followed my passion for arts education. I taught full-time for many years, which did not allow for much personal artistic endeavours but after the birth of my son and returning to work part time I was able to get back into the studio and focus on developing my arts practice. It was three years ago that my practice took a dramatic turn as I found my love to landscape painting while completing a landscape unit with my students. Since then, I have consistently painted landscapes that connect me to my past memories of the land.
Can you share some of the highlights you’ve had so far in your artistic career, and what is next for you?
I feel very fortunate that over the past three years of this journey, I’ve been given many opportunities to exhibit my landscape paintings, including a number of prestigious art prizes. However I must admit that the biggest highlight for me as an artist is when collectors contact me with stories of how they connect to a painting what it means to them.
I think that this journey that I’m on is a very exciting one, as I continue to learn so many new things constantly, whether that’s about myself, The process of making the work, or the way that my art is viewed and collected. I endeavour to keep this momentum that I have going by continuing to create and by say yes to opportunities that will allow people to connect with my work.
'Memories from the Land'
Exhibition opening
Saturday April 12, 2025
11am - 3pm
Manyung Gallery Malvern
6-10 Claremont Avenue, Malvern
exhibition runs until April 26
Paintings in this exhibition are now available for pre-sale.
To register your interest in receiving an early preview catalogue, please contact sharyn@manyunggallery.com.au or 0419 595 222.