Arts & Culture
14 June, 2026
Artist of the Week – Jacqui Brown
Each week, our artist of the week answers questions so we learn more about them and their work.
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I currently live in the Southern Highlands. I grew up in the quiet town of Burrawang. I currently live here and have never wanted to live anywhere else. My art is developed solely around this place but if I could live anywhere it would reside somewhere in the gorgeous countryside of the Cotswolds but the Southern Highlands is very much like it.
How long have you been producing art?
I have been painting for over 28 years. Straight out of high school I started studying art at our local TAFE.
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist'?
Funny enough art hasn’t always come first until three years ago, when I pursued it full time. I found I got to a place where it felt my time, time is short do what you love.
How would you describe your work?
I want my art to be like telling a story, to take you into it whether it’s by the size or a cosy corner. I want it to make people feel something, happiness or beauty. I want it to be more than filling a space with art, it’s bringing life to a sad world. I was always told this is what my art brought and now I believe it.
What is your favourite medium?
Acrylic paints are my absolute favourite. Next would be coloured soft pencils but I haven’t had the time for drawing since illustrating some children’s books.
What inspires you as an artist?
I love the whimsical, the cosy cottage corners, the beautiful rolling hills of the Southern Highlands/English countryside, the movement of grass blowing in the wind, rivers flowing, weathered fences and soft skies. I want it to feel like home, a walk through the fields: something peaceful, full of small discoveries.
Do you work alone or is art for you a social pursuit?
I work alongside of a group of artists who share a studio space in Mittagong at Corinne Dany Studios. I am one of five artists. On days there are student classes running, an Art Cafe or a social night where you can bring anything you are working on.
Social media has changed the way people interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
Social media may have changed some aspects by putting your art out there quicker and to a wider audience but I still feel galleries definitely still hold relevance and it depends on how you use social media to attract people to the gallery. Social media is a great tool but it can also be used by others to copyright artists' work which is horrible.
If you had some advice for your younger self, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with the right people. Don’t stop learning and pursuing new ways to develop your art.
If you had some advice for people afraid of exhibiting their work or showing their work in public, what would it be?
It can be a scary thing to put yourself out there, don’t do it alone if you are afraid. Being a part of a local art groups gains confidence. Ask others for their opinions on your work positive or negative, even if it hurts, it will help you grow. Be around supportive people. Most importantly we are our worst critics, don’t give yourself a hard time.
When you are not producing art, how do you spend your time?
I haven’t had much time to spend doing other things, art is my life but when I do get some spare time I get into my garden or watch a movie.
Who is the artist that you most admire?
Hard to define one, I love Monet, Cressida Campbell and Zoe Young’s work.
How can people appreciate your work?
I’m just blown away by the support people have shown me, whether it’s visiting the five stockists I have my pieces in over the Southern Highlands including, Suzie Anderson, the Gallery Pop Up in Springett’s Arcade or purchasing from The Corner Store, Orange. It’s lovely to hear feedback on your work or come face to face with others who recognise your work. I do however especially love it when people send me photos of my work installed at home via Instagram - it touches my heart to know where they have gone.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
Being a person who has worn many hats, I would be whatever I had to be and to do it well but I would definitely pursue more gardening.
--------------
Subscribe to The Southern Wire Newsletter for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us to ensure we remain paywall free.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Burrawang