ART WITH IMPACT
LET ARTWORK TELL A STORY IN YOUR HOME WITH STRIKING BLACK-ANDWHITE PAINTINGS BY RUNWAY-GALLERY.COM ARTIST CORRAN BROWNLEE
Canadian-born Corran Brownlee is one of a number of talented artists who are featured on Runway Gallery, an online showcase of contemporary art. Inspired by a career in the film industry, his striking artwork captures haunting snapshots of untold narratives.
I grew up surrounded by artists. My grandfather was head of Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, Canada, so I was always encouraged to explore my creative side. My mother would bring home used typewriter paper from work for my brother and I to draw comic strips on. Art was the only class I ever received high marks in! Creating is a lot like meditation. Sometimes I’ll start the day with yoga, but otherwise
I’ll head straight to my studio in Calgary, where I’m now based. Spending a week or so focused on a frozen moment calms me. I feel most creative after midnight; I like the idea that the dreams of those sleeping around me are broadcast via a subconscious radio station and I’m tuning into them. I prefer to work alone these days. The film industry was all about collaboration, but now I listen to my own voice and produce my vision without compromise. Charcoal is one of the oldest storytelling tools. It’s minimal yet impactful – perfect for me.
After working digitally for decades, I wanted to get back to basics. I use black so the viewers can project their own colours; it’s more personal. I like my pieces to feel like a dream or a memory. I’ll leave hints of narrative, but keep most of the scene covered in shadow. This way, the viewer becomes the storyteller and hopefully connects with my work on a deeper level. Inspiration can strike at any time. I view my surroundings through an imaginary filter as if I were in one of my paintings. It could be architecture in London, power lines in LA or hares bouncing through the snow near my home. As a child, I grew up with paintings on every wall, regardless of size, colour or style. They didn’t match, but that’s a good thing. If you try too hard to co-ordinate, you lose the individuality in each piece. When grouping artwork, lay them out on the floor first to achieve a balanced layout before hanging them on the wall.
Buy stylish and affordable artwork from Corran Brownlee and other artists at runway-gallery.com