Local artist profile: Alanah Brand

THIS week we chat with local painter, secondary school art teacher and recent Archibald Prize for portraiture finalist Alanah Brand.

What initially motivated you to take up art as a practice?

I have been interested in art since I was a child, and my grandma would take me to art classes at the Bendigo Art Gallery. My art teachers were always my favourite teachers at school. What I loved about art as a child was the ability to tell stories using pictures and I think this love continued when I left school and began studying a Bachelor of Visual Art at La Trobe University Bendigo. I have been an art teacher at Bendigo South East College for the last 11 years. Whilst teaching I also completed my Honours and a Masters in Visual Art.

How would you describe your style?

I would say that I am a contemporary portrait painter and that my portraits are realistic. I usually paint from photographs, and I think the flatness of the photographic image and digital technology/social media has an impact on the stylistic qualities of my work. I am trying to work with this as I form and develop my own artistic style in this digital world.

Which artists inspire you?

At university my work was heavily influenced by Jenny Saville, Sarah Lucas, Tracey Emin, and Frida Kahlo. Since leaving university I am most influenced by my mentor Solomon Kammer and contemporary painters Robin Eley and Jessica Le Clerc. I admire Solomon for her authenticity, resilience and artistic style. Solomon is progressive, she works hard and has bold ideas which pose questions about the world we live in and that is the kind of art I love and think the world needs more of.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

My biggest highlight has been becoming an Archibald Prize finalist this year with my portrait of my mentor Solomon Kammer.

How has your practice been affected by COVID?

During the pandemic I created a series of works about mothers at home with their children during the lockdowns. At the time I was a full-time foster mum to a beautiful little girl and I created a self-portrait which became a finalist in the 2021 Tatiana Art Prize. It was the first time my work had been selected as a finalist in an art prize, and I remember needing to get a permit to drive my painting across the border to South Australia.

How can people check out your work?

My work is currently on display at the Art Gallery of NSW, Archibald Prize Exhibition. I also have three paintings in the 34th Rotary Castlemaine Art show next weekend. I have an Instagram account @alanahellenbrand, a Facebook page under Alanah Ellen, and I have a website alanahellenbrand.com.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists?

Being a regional artist is hard. Being an artist in general is hard. Forming connections with like-minded artists is harder in a regional setting, however, it is worth it. Please be resilient and persistent. Travel to places to meet people, go and work with other artists in workshops. Believe in yourself, invest time into your practice. These are things artists have to do whether they are regional artists or they live and work in a city. And most importantly, be your authentic self, as your work is ultimately a reflection of you.