Interview with Carol Brown
Born in Birmingham, England , Carol Brown relocated to New York City where working in Independent Film helped to develop her style as an artist. Winning the best director award from the Thanet International Filmmaker Festival in 2010 for her film 'Jamaica Jamaica'.
A solo exhibition in New York City in 2014, won the “Lorenzo il Magnifico Award” at The XI Florence Biennale in Florence, Italy, 2017, ArtTour International's Top Artists To Watch, 2018 and exhibitions in Italy and Paris.
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art-making?
My name is Carol Brown, I was born in Birmingham, England. In school I spent all my time in the art studio where I learned to begin to nurture my artistic
nature. It was the beginning of a life long journey. Our class was given an opportunity to create a piece of work that if selected would hang in the “ Big Bank In Town”. We were all so excited. I was one of three selected. I was so happy and proud of that, and I suppose my confidence seed began to grow.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
I would describe myself as being in constant awe of nature, and curious about the universe and the origins of life right down to the quantum level. Energy from The Source, the waves of energy that permeate our environment influencing our every moment. Through meditation I learned to channel this energy, It helps me through life’s ups and downs and gives me confidence with my work.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am constantly inspired by my environment, nature all around me, beautiful moments in nature, sacredsymmetry, happening all around us and often overlooked. Capturing those moments as I see them and trying to convey how they make me feel, how they made me stop and take notice.
What emotions do you hope the viewer experiences when looking at your art?
When I shoot still life nature shots I hope that the viewer has a connection to it in that we are all from the same source kind of way. I capture moments and beauty in nature that often go overlooked or unnoticed, ignored, or worse, taken for granted. We’re all so busy these days, heads in our devices, in a rush. I hope my art inspires you to slow down a minute. Stop and take another look around and consider what you might be missing.
When I shoot live subjects the focus is completely on the energy interplay and storytelling. I hope to draw the viewer completely into the work viscerally.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
I spend a lot of time just staring at the work, repeatedly going over all the details to make sure it’s aesthetically perfect, but it’s not until I feel that click in my head that the work is done. If I feel I have reproduced the essence of what inspired me to create the work, then, only then I can be satisfied that it’s done.
I have on more than one occasion driven myself almost crazy being anal-retentive about the tiniest details, but it’s worth it, it’s in the work.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
The most exciting moment so far? Honestly, I am really grateful for all my success and accomplishments. I remember how I felt the first time my work was published, and how winning my first award felt, how amazing it felt seeing my film on a big screen at a film festival, and now I am excitedly looking forward to being a part of the Shibuya Station Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. It will be my first public exhibition. I’m really blessed and grateful for it all.
How long does it take to produce one work?
That depends really, I usually shoot and then stew on the images for a while and then complete them when the inspiration hits. Some projects I’m compelled to finish immediately, others have taken years to complete. Those ideas have matured and evolved by then, so the project takes on more depth. Some works are constantly evolving, these tend to be the most emotionally complex and working on them is therapeutic and cathartic.
What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of your future plans for your artworks?
I am developing an Interior Design Brand featuring and influenced by my artwork. It’s an exciting way for me to create an environment that encourages reconnection with the simple and essential elements of life.
My work often takes me off in different directions, Art, Film, Fashion, but I’m developing projects that combine everything and that’s the future for me.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
I was just named finalist for “ Artist of the Year” 2018-19 by The Circle Foundation of the Arts, and I am participating in the ‘ Shibuya Station Exhibition “ in Tokyo, Japan, March 5 - 11 2019. It will be my first outdoor public exhibition, so I am really looking forward to it.
Where do you see your art going in five years?
In five years my Brand will be established. I will have begun preproduction on my feature length film, and I will continue to exhibit my work in galleries and for collectors around the world.
I am moving into a bigger space soon which is exciting and full of creative possibilities.
My work is a reflection of how I see the world, and my place in it. It reflects my growth as a person, a woman, and an artist. It’s a lifelong pursuit, one that only produces meaningful, satisfactory results after brutal introspection and acceptance of one’s self.
