SHADES OF GREY
Canadian artist Corran Brownlee leaves something for the imagination in his haunting paintings, available at Runway Gallery
After starting out as a storyboard artist in Canada in the late Nineties, Corran Brownlee immersed himself in the British and American film industry. For two decades, he used his creativity to realise the visions of others, compiling storyboards, visual effects and concept designs on anything from Guinness adverts to James Bond film opening titles. In 2016, a trip back to his native Calgary – where he’s now based – inspired a change in career; ‘working in film, TV and advertising, I struggled to find my own voice – I could never hear it while working on other people’s dreams,’ he says. ‘Now, I focus solely on my own art; just me, some charcoal pencils and a stack of paper – it’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.’
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE
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 more personal level. Some people see comedy where others see tragedy.
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?
After working digitally for decades, I wanted to get back to basics and create something minimal yet impactful. I felt charcoal would be perfect as it’s one of the oldest storytelling tools. It’s very workable, too, so I have lots of opportunity to change my mind. I use black so the viewers can project their own colours; it’s more personal that way. I also like using oil paints. I love that I can leave them for hours and they remain wet – I never feel rushed to finish a painting.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT DOMESTICATION SERIES
Moving from place to place all the time, I quickly learnt that home is not a place, but a state of mind. I explore this concept by using imagery of wild animals juxtaposed with decorative wallpaper; the familiar patterns offer a sense of nostalgia and belonging, while the animals represent curiosity and freedom.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE?
Yes, it’s called Runaway. One cold January evening, I returned from a walk with a compulsion to draw what turned out to be the most significant piece I’ve ever created. A white hare with its back turned, leading us into unknown darkness: a simple image of hope. That was the moment I decided to devote the rest of my life to art.
ANY CELEBRITY FANS?
Some very talented people who I’ve adored for years have bought my work. Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst and Jodie Whittaker to name a few.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK IN YOUR OWN HOME?
I’m a fan of gallery walls for smaller pieces. I’m pretty nerdy when it comes to grouping artworks – particularly my own. I’ll build a 3D model of the space, then try out a number of different positions before I commit to the final layout. It takes patience, but it’s worth doing. I’d advise arranging your collection on the floor to get an overall sense of how it’s going to look on the wall.
WHERE IS YOUR WORK BEST HUNG?
I love seeing black and white drawings hanging on colourful walls. A couple of clients have hung my work above their fireplace, which is an honour – that’s prime wall real estate! I grew up with paintings on every wall, regardless of colour, size or style. They didn’t match, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. If you try too hard to co-ordinate, you start to lose the individuality in each piece.
Buy original and limited edition artworks for your home by Corran Brownlee and other contemporary artists at new online venture Runway Gallery, runway-gallery.com