Afton Brazzoni
What first inspired you to try art? And what mediums have you experimented with?
I was first inspired to try art when a new community art centre called artsPlace opened in my then-hometown, Canmore. This was around 2015. They had an open house where people could try any medium, and I tried a weekend-long glass workshop and had so much fun creating small glass dishes. Next, I took a 3-month ceramics course there and got even more into the process of making art. I paused for a few years, then got back into art in 2020 as an oil painter, and have been working in that medium since then.
Was there ever a moment you stopped making art, and if so what brought passion and inspiration back?
I stopped making art for a bit this spring when work and personal things were taking a lot of my bandwidth. This was happening at the same time that I'd made the decision to evolve my painting style from a more realist to impressionist style. My progress stalled for a while as a result. I was trying to finish up a large painting that felt like it was taking forever. (Who can relate?!) Applying to art shows and putting some healthy pressure on myself to create again was exactly what I needed to get back into it. The inspiration was always there, but the focus and motivation had waned for a time. Now, I'm back in the groove and loving it.
Have you gone to art school or are you self taught?
I did not attend art school. I took community painting classes at Final Touch Art Studio in Cochrane, 3 hours a week, for about 2 years. Now, I watch painting courses online to keep up with learning and honing my skills. I don't think I'll ever be "done" learning!
If you are self taught what resources or exercises did you use to learn?
It was important for me to get expert guidance because I wanted to start my painting journey with the right foundation. I'm really grateful for my first art teacher, Sharon Kulhavy at Final Touch. She was instrumental in my progress to help me get where I am today.
What is the most challenging part about being an artist for you? How did you overcome that challenge?
One of the biggest challenges is wanting progress to happen faster than it does - when it comes to honing my skills, finishing a painting, you name it. I'm a fairly impatient person. However, as a professional writer whose journey in that craft started 17 years ago, I have learned that it takes a lot of time to master a skill. There are no shortcuts. I am nowhere near the same level yet in my painting as I am in my writing career, but I know I'll get there if I stick with it (which I absolutely plan to!)
What drives the inspiration in your paintings? How would you describe your style?
Most of my painting inspiration comes from nature – specifically, rugged landscapes like mountains or seascapes. Growing up in the coastal Canadian province of Nova Scotia, then later moving to the Canadian Rockies, I saw these landscapes everywhere and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring them.
One thing I love about the natural world is that it offers an endless array of forms, colours, patterns and textures. It’s an artist’s playground. Nature also provides a sense of scale and perspective. The vastness of a night sky, the towering heights of mountains or the endless expanse of the ocean spark a sense of awe and wonder. This is one way I aim to evoke emotion in my work.
And for me, nature is also about peace and harmony. It’s an escape – but not the kind you seek when you want to tune out. It’s the kind you seek when you want to dial into who you truly are and what really matters to you.
What would you recommend to new artists trying to build a career? What are the keys to success?
As a new artist myself, I believe the best advice is to prioritize taking action over absorbing information. By that I mean, if you're a painter, paint! It can be tempting to spend time comparing ourselves to other artists on social media, or watching *just one more* online course, but the thing that will get you the farthest the fastest is simply honing your craft. I found this to be true in my business (I own a marketing company), so am applying this approach again with my art.
Beyond that, learning some business fundamentals will definitely help you - but again, don't overload yourself with information. Find one or two trusted sources and stick to their content.
How long have you been painting? And what would you go back and tell your younger self if you could?
I've been painting for a short time - only 3 years. But many years before that, when I first tried painting at a paint night, I thought I had no talent for painting at all! So, I guess I'd tell my younger self that finding the right teacher is the key, and you never know what hidden talents you may have. I'm certainly glad I tried painting again - if I hadn't, I wouldn't be involved with the Calgary Art Community or writing this today!
What markets and resources have you used in Calgary to sell your work? And what would you say made it successful?
I have worked with both the Calgary Art Community and Art Spot to sell my work at various shows, and I think collaborations like this are hugely valuable because they help you as an artist tap into a bigger audience than you could on your own. It is also great to meet other artists through these events.
What is currently your favourite art supply? How has it impacted your art?
I love my #8 long flat and filbert hog hair brushes. Sticking to these brushes instead of defaulting to my liner brushes is helping me loosen up my painting style, which is my current focus.
What advice do you have for developing artists?
As a developing artist myself, I think being disciplined in your practice, committed to your growth, open to different ways your journey might unfold, and surrounding yourself with community are all really important. I would also say, have fun! That's the whole point :)
