Creator's Corner: Casey Burrill - Artist | Torquay, VIC
Casey Burrill | Painter
Casey never considered making a career out of her art, but at the end of last year, she said goodbye to her job as a teacher and hello to painting full time.
Here she talks about how meditation influences her creativity, the challenges of running her own business (+ how she overcomes them), and how she sees her art evolving.
Tell us a little about yourself! Who are you and what’s your creative background?
I am a mum to three children, an artist, and a musician. I grew up in a household surrounded by music, which quickly became my first main passion. I studied a Bachelor of Education in my early 20s and to this day still love teaching in an arts environment. I’ve always been surrounded by people who appreciate art so felt it felt quite natural to peruse visual art more seriously later in life.
What did the path to pursuing a creative career look like for you?
I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue after high school. I never considered making a career out of painting. I travelled and then narrowed study down to either a Bachelor of Visual Art or Education. I chose Education and believe that was exactly where I needed to be at that time in my life. I’ve had the most amazing mentors and developed some incredible friendships.
It wasn’t until a friend introduced me to Instagram that I began to discover many artists whose work I’ve followed and watched evolve. Teaching art in a primary setting and having access to PD helped me discover materials and techniques I enjoyed using when creating.
The students inspired me too. After having my 2nd baby I developed the urge to push my work further. Getting the opportunity to work with Fenton and Fenton in Melbourne was a huge turning point, a dream opportunity. From there I continued to paint almost every day and it continues to give me more energy than it took.
What influences your creativity?
Meditation has definitely influenced a lot of my creativity. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my work by asking more questions about my practice and values. Optimism. Mark making. Nature, in particular, the ocean is a big influence behind the element of movement in each piece. Independence and growth are common themes I turn to when painting symbols and using outlines.
Do you have any rituals that help you get into the zone before you sit down to paint?
Since having kids I’m a little more mindful of time, but usually, mediation, insense, music, podcasts and audiobooks help with productivity and assists with feeling grounded and present before and during painting.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Gallery visits, exhibitions, painting podcasts, having my babies, and putting myself in situations where I feel challenged and nervous are always opportunities for growth.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
I love starting each session with a herbal tea. The floor of my studio is covered with large pieces of cardboard ready to use as palettes, acrylic paint, and brushes. I paint multiple canvases at once, moving from piece to piece adding layers to backgrounds depending on the brief for each canvas. I will always have different types of audio playing in the background.
Over time I’ve developed confidence with colour mixing and knowing preferred colors I love working with. Also trusting intuition and the first thoughts or ideas that come through when applying layers.
What are some of the challenges of running your own creative business? And how do you approach these challenges?
I love the freedom of being able to design my own work hours and remain flexible for my three kids. Setting up a time management plan and getting to know when to juggle creative time and admin is messy at first. I booked in time to collaborate with a business strategist to help keep me accountable and also developed a network of trusted go-to professionals to help refine elements of my business and develop confidence in areas I haven’t experienced in depth.
How do you see your art evolving over the next few years?
I’d love to exhibit my first solo show and develop my work conceptually in contrast to my work conceptualizing naturally/intuitively. I’m curious about entering work in art prizes and pushing myself technically.
What’s one misconception about pursuing a creative career that you want to rectify?
I’ve heard a lot of people become curious about diving into a creative career, but instantly doubt their abilities. I think everyone can paint and everyone has the ability to create. Not putting pressure on yourself and enjoying the process, experimenting, and developing is such a fulfilling practice. I don’t believe there are as many misconceptions about pursuing a creative career these days. Artists now have the tools to reach a wider audience than ever before. The possibilities and opportunities are endless.
What is the proudest moment in your journey so far?
Taking the leap and deciding to paint full time. I’m so grateful to have the support of amazing friends and family.
When you’re not painting, what can we find you doing?
I love baking, walking along coastal tracks, getting out in nature, writing, and lately I’ve been singing a lot of jazz.
What do you look forward to each day?
I never used to, but meditation. It used to be something I’d have to work at, and often felt unsuccessful at. Now I can’t go a day without it. I look forward to moving my body and developing new creative ideas on canvas. Of course, seeing my babies too!
What advice would you give aspiring women wanting to turn their passion or art into a career?
Create every day, document it all, connect with your local arts community, and think big!! Always one foot in front of the other.
Who are your biggest influences?
I love and admire writers/authors such as Rupi Kaur, Marianne Williamson, and Robin Wall Kimmerer. In music, I have rediscovered all different types of Jazz that I listen to as I’m working on new pieces.
Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, Fred Williams, Brett Whiteley are favorites. I’ve been getting lost in the works of Emma MacNeill lately and other First Nations artists. The energy, unconsciously fluent mark making, rhythm and movement encapsulated in these works is inspiring. I am constantly influenced by the local creative community here in Geelong. We have so many creative gems that inspire me daily!
Finish these sentences
My favourite place to travel: (apart from the coast here in Victoria) Up North! Any place where I can see the ocean.
I lose track of time when I’m out in nature with my kids.
I can read Phosphorescence by Julia Baird over and over again.
I believe that “our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure”
Marianne Williamson
These 3 adjectives describe my life right now: Open-minded, Motivated, Creative
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