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Courtney Brims
Tell us a little bit about your creative background and how you became a fine artist?
Drawing was my way of storytelling and stepping out of reality as a kid. Growing up, all I wanted to be was an artist, but the older I got the more reality sunk in and I started to believe I wouldn't be able to pull it off and earn a living from it. I stopped drawing after school, focusing instead on uni and getting a job as an interior designer. After working a few years in the field I lost my motivation and got to a point where I really missed being creative and drawing. I had so many ideas crammed in my head that I thought I'd pop, so I took a chance, quit my job and turned my love ofdrawing into a career.
What are your inspirations when creating your pieces?
Books, trees, rainy days, weird looking animals, long drives... Almost anything has the potential to inspire me; everything from antique lampshades to the Galapagos Islands. Childhood is the other big inspiration. Everything relates back to childhood. I often try to draw as if I'm drawing from a child's viewpoint. Children see the world differently to adults and aren't afraid to believe in the non-believe.
Tell us why you decided to be part of the Element Advocate family?
I felt so privileged to be asked and jumped at the chance to get involved with the Advocacy program. I find Element's dedication to making a real difference and improving the way girls perceive themselves inspiring. I'm thrilled to be part of a family that has such a positive outlook on life and look forward to collaborating with them
What are some of the things you like to do when you're not creating art?
Go outside. I like to spend most of my time outdoors when I'm not drawing. Go for long walks, get into the gardening, mow the lawn, go to the beach, play hockey, stroll through a rainforest...anything that keeps me active as drawing requires a lot of sitting still!
Where is your favorite place in the world?
I can't narrow it down to just one place. I love bookstores, the lifestyle of my hometown of Brisbane, weekend markets, bookstores, Paris, Mount Glorious, hidden alleyways, bookstores, Tokyo, movie cinemas...
From your experiences, is there any advice, you'd like to give aspiring artists out there?
Have determination, be patient and believe in yourself. If you love it, keep at it and things will eventually fall into place.
