BEHIND THE BRUSH: PICNIC SEASON X ALEX MASON

Alex Mason is an Australian artist from Inverell, NSW. Her work is distinguished by its vibrant, bold colours and rich textures, achieving a three-dimensional effect through a mix of acrylic paint and thickener.

Using palette knives and piping techniques, Alex creates sculptural pieces reminiscent of the textured, tactile qualities found in her mother's art from the 90s.

Influenced by nature, particularly her parents’ fragrant spring garden filled with colorful native flowers, Alex’s art reflects this lush, sensory experience.

She turned to art as a means to manage her anxiety, finding the creative process to be instrumental in her healing. Alex firmly believes in the power of art to heal and bring joy.

Mum's Influence

Your work has a unique sculptural quality reminiscent of your mother's art from the 90s. How did her influence shape your approach to art, and what elements of her style do you incorporate into your own work?

I remember seeing one of her artworks at my nan's house, it was a fruit bowl where she had used palette knives to shape each fruit. I asked mum what she used for the texture, and I use the same now in my art! It's much better than any art product you can buy off the shelf. It's flexible and holds its shape really well!

Garden Inspirations

You’ve mentioned that your mother's spring garden, filled with colorful native flowers, has had a significant impact on your art. Can you share a specific memory or image from her garden that inspires you?

My art studio is actually at my parents' property. My mum has built such a beautiful garden around her house and my studio so it inspires me every day! She mainly plants natives to withstand drought. My favorites are grevilleas, bottle brush and wattle!

Art as Healing

Creating art has been a way for you to manage anxiety. How has the creative process contributed to your healing, and what role does art play in your life beyond just creating pieces?

I was a residential youth worker when I moved back to my home town and experienced quite a few traumatic experiences which gave me anxiety before every shift. I stayed working there for 2 years because I believed I could make a positive impact but it really affected my anxiety, so I started painting between shifts to calm me.  Before this I was in a DV relationship late highschool/early 20's, I believe art over the last few years has really helped in the healing process as well.

Your use of acrylic paint mixed with thickener creates a rich texture in your work. What drew you to this particular technique, and what do you enjoy most about working with these materials?

Watching reels on instagram of artists using palette knives drew me to wanting to use texture in my art and I really wanted to explore abstract art because I didn't want the pressure of having to paint something photo perfect. This would have added to my anxiety! I enjoy that it's messy, and very satisfying mixing the paint and applying it. It's like cake icing!

Spending time outdoors, especially in nature, is a passion of yours. How does being in natural surroundings influence your art and help fuel your creativity?

I love living rurally and having my studio in my mum's garden, it's constant inspiration! I also enjoy traveling and experiencing flowers from different countries and parts of Australia! Seeing Japan's cherry blossoms in April was unforgettable and last year I went to King's Garden in Perth and squealed when I saw Banksias growing IRL for the first time!

Your work is full of bold colors and textures. How do you approach selecting your color palette, and how do these choices impact the final feel of your pieces?

Living in a small town, I buy art supplies that are easily accessible to me. I have one Coles-size bag of colours that I use and I generally stick to these! I just have a selection of colours that I love using all the time. Sometimes commission clients will give me a specific colour palette and I will work within their guidelines like we did for this collaboration, it's a fun challenge. But, generally I can picture the colours and flowers of the artwork vividly before starting it! Or sometimes I just think, hey what if the Banksias are bright fluro pink?!

How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative process? Are there any particular routines or practices that help you stay connected to your art?

Honestly I have a billion ideas running around in my head at any one time so it's a relief when I can get another one out and onto a canvas! For this reason I think I need art now. To calm my brain.

Looking ahead, are there any new techniques or themes you’re excited to explore? How do you envision your art evolving in the future?

For the moment I'm happy to let my style develop naturally, but I have plans to paint more surfboards, they have been really taking off especially in the USA. I love to paint on other things too like furniture. The possibilities are endless!