BEHIND THE BRUSH: PICNIC SEASON X JADE FISHER
Jade, an artist based in the vibrant town of Gerringong on the stunning south coast of NSW, brings a splash of creativity to everything she does.
Once a fashion designer who dazzled in London and Sydney, Jade’s globetrotting adventures through a kaleidoscope of colourful countries infused her with a treasure trove of inspiration.
After starting a family and trading city lights for coastal serenity, Jade leaped back into her first love - painting. Every day, she’s enchanted by the natural splendour around her, and she’s on a mission to make colour the star of her art.
Her canvases are a joyful parade of vivid hues, whimsical patterns, and abstract forms. With a playful technique of layering paint, Jade crafts eye-catching colour combinations and textures that pop with personality.
A Journey Back to Art
You’ve had an exciting journey from fashion design in London and Sydney to painting in Gerringong. What was the ‘aha’ moment that made you decide to dive back into art?
It was more a case of it becoming harder to travel for my fashion work once I had my babies. I didn't want to spend so much time away from them and my heart wasn't in it anymore.
I needed something creative I could do where I could still be at home while my kids were young. I did some freelance fashion illustration work for a while which I've always enjoyed.
One day a beautiful gallery opened up in Gerringong. I used to walk past and admire all the paintings in there. I was inspired and so I bought myself some paints and just started to create.
Colourful Techniques
Your artwork is known for its vibrant colours and playful patterns. What’s your secret recipe for picking and mixing those amazing colours?
I just love the way certain colours sit together and make each other sing.
I’ve always been drawn to patterns - I did my degree in textile design so my brain always imagines how things would look on fabric .The fluro highlights are always an unexpected fun addition and often they're the last colours I add. I get through a lot of fluro pink paint .
Inspiring Travels
You’ve travelled to so many lively places. Can you share a travel story or a specific location that really got your creative juices flowing?
I think India for me was the most inspiring. The aesthetics, the textiles and embroideries.The techniques and the skills of its craftspeople. It really is a magical place for me. Everywhere you look there are beautiful things. I always come back with so many ideas.
The Magic of Layering
Layering paint seems like a magical process. How did you discover this technique, and what kind of effects does it help you create in your art?
Acrylic paint is such a good medium for me. My process is intuitive so I often just make it up as I go. I just keep layering it up until I’m happy with the way it looks. Painting over parts that don’t work and building up textures. I don't like things to look to contrived so I try to keep the brushstrokes visible and loose
Coastal Inspirations
Living in Gerringong sounds like a dream! How does the coastal vibe and natural beauty of the area influence your art and daily inspiration?
Balance and Composition
Your art blends abstract forms with whimsical patterns. What draws you to these elements, and how do you keep things balanced and fun in your pieces?
I just think it's important to keep evolving my style and introducing pattern is just a way of bringing newness into my work. It's good to keep experimenting with new ideas to keep things exciting.
Heartfelt Creations
Is there a particular piece of your artwork that holds a special place in your heart? What’s the story behind it, and what makes it stand out for you?
I really love my beach conversation artworks where I painted swimsuits , Picnic bags, towels accessories etc. They were so fun to paint and they seem to evoke Summer memories for me and the customers who bought them.
Sustaining Creativity
How do you keep your creative spark alive after making such a big switch from fashion design to painting? Any tricks or rituals you follow?
I just keep evolving and pushing myself to paint new things and not just stick to the same formula that I know sells. I'm also very fortunate to have had opportunities to collaborate with companies like Picnic Season where my designs get turned into rugs or bags.
It's a full circle moment and I'm so lucky that I can dip my toes back into textile with projects like this.
Facing Challenges
Switching from fashion to painting must have had its challenges. What was the biggest hurdle you faced, and how did you tackle it?
I think just starting from the beginning again was daunting. I remember approaching shops to see if they would sell my art and getting turned away a lot. That was hard but I just kept developing my style until I felt more confident in my work . I think when Pip from Jumbled called me to ask if she could sell my work was a defining moment. That gave me so much confidence to believe in myself.
Future Artistic Adventures
What’s next on your artistic adventure? Are there any new themes or projects you’re excited to dive into? How do you see your art evolving in the future?
I’m always excited to see my work on textiles so I’d love to get involved designing more fashion pieces in the future.
