HandUp Creatives

Vanessa Jane

Artist. Illustrator. Creative event coordinator.

 

 

I create as a form of expression. Joy, sadness, frustration and pleasure are some of the key elements in my work.

My art is a form of release. I channel my emotions through wild slashes of the brush, through swirls of colour, through flowing paint.

I hope to inspire others. Art isn’t about achieving greatness. It’s about making a mark and giving it a go. Building confidence and finding peace in the unexpected.

 

 

Some artists are inspired by nature – the beauty of a single flower or the dramatic sweep of a landscape. Others are inspired by various artistic styles and famous works of art. I’m more internally driven to create. My emotions lie just beneath the surface and pour out into every piece I create. The turbulent journey of life is my muse and source of inspiration.

 

 

My art represents my life journey. Each piece I complete is one more step along my journey. My past, my present, my future, are reflected in my art. Each work is a piece of me - transformed through a particular medium, illuminated on canvas. It is raw emotion expressed through creativity.

 

 

I wasn’t born with a paintbrush in my hand. It took a tragedy and years of struggle to push me in a creative direction. I discovered I could use art as a form of expression, instead of medication and spiralling mental health issues. Since that initial discovery, I have explored many creative avenues and now embrace the process. I have highs and lows like everybody else, but by expressing my emotions on canvas, I use the process to grow as a person and learn from the lessons on my journey.

 

I use the knowledge I have gained over the years to help others take the first creative steps on their artistic journey. I also feel very passionate about those still struggling with their issues. I use art to help raise awareness of those less fortunate than myself, and to unite other artists in creative endeavours that benefit the community. I have come a long way already, but my journey is not over yet.    

 

A few years ago, I began working on a series of work that celebrated the female form. I found some like-minded artists and decided to create an event where these artists could exhibit their work. What originally started as a small, one off exhibition has now grown to a three day event celebrating the female form through various mediums, with live performances and stage shows. This annual event is community focused and raises money and awareness for local charitable organisations, such as the Brisbane Domestic Violence Centre. The success of this event enabled me to pursue greater creative endeavours. I am the proud founder of HandUp Creatives - a company that is a collaboration of artists and performers who specialise in event management within the creative industries.

 

 

A large percentage of the profits from my sales are donated to HandUp Creatives to support our endeavours.