BEHIND THE BRUSH: PICNIC SEASON X TORI CORCORAN
Tori Corcoran is an acclaimed Australian artist whose work dazzles with vibrant colour and intricate detail. Channelling the natural world into her creations, Corcoran brings a playful twist to her showcase piece, Rhinestone Cowboy.
A visual fiesta, mixing elegance with a touch of wild, untamed beauty, like a glittering rodeo under the stars.
Corcoran’s flair for blending traditional techniques with a modern edge results in abstract pieces that are as timeless as they are fresh.
Her art does more than just decorate - it whisks viewers away into a whimsical world where nature’s charms are celebrated with a sophisticated sparkle.
Celebrating "Rhinestone Cowboy"
Your piece "Rhinestone Cowboy" feels like a joyful celebration! What was the spark of inspiration that led you to create such a vibrant and playful artwork?
I have always had a love for all things horses and cowgirl/cowboy. I’ve grown up on a farm and have ridden horses all my life, with my Dad being one of the biggest ‘old school’ kind of cowboys out there! Horses, and natural symbols such as stars and the sun and moon occur naturally in my art, like a calling to my roots that always brings me home.
When I was creating the piece, I knew I had to call it ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ as it is one of my Dad’s favourite songs, so it just felt like such a testament to him and how I grew up. My father, who has been the inspiration behind some of my cowboy style pieces, has early onset dementia…so painting this piece felt like I could connect back to him when he was younger and that wild and free spirit of the cowboy life.
Mixing Tradition with Modern Flair
You have a fantastic knack for blending traditional techniques with a contemporary twist. What excites you most about this fusion, and how do you keep it fresh and fun?
I paint really intuitively and try to take the logical part of my mind out of it…I find that this is when the magic happens! Fusing traditional techniques with modern art making practices allows us as artists to really use the styles and methods that have been developed well before our time, with contemporary pop culture, themes, colour expressions and ideas. I think looking around at current culture helps to give art that feeling of fun and light-heartedness…and it feels so exciting to make something that ‘clicks’ with an audience and helps them feel connected.
Nature’s Whimsy
Your art beautifully reflects the natural world. What elements of nature inspire you the most, and how do you translate that magic onto the canvas?
Flowers, animals, trees, birds, landscapes, water, the sun and moon all really inspire my art. Sometimes I will use the icons of these images, other times in my more abstract pieces it is the feeling that I try to embody, the spirit of those images.
Color and Emotion
Your vibrant color choices bring so much life to your work! How do you select your palettes, and what emotions do you hope to spark in viewers with those colours?
I LOOOOOVEEE vibrant colours! I think we live in a word that in many ways, we need more colour and the reminder of how gorgeous and precious life is! I pick colours intuitively based on how I feel, and the palette for a piece grows from there. At times, it is a much more selective and thought out process, particularly for commission pieces, but most of the time, I pick colours I feel drawn to in that moment. I really hope these colours spark joy and hope and love in my viewers. I believe really deeply that art has the power to bring so much joy, healing and life to the world and I hope that my work, and my colour choices can help to embody that love.
Your Creative Journey
Can you take us through your creative process? From that initial burst of inspiration to the finished piece, what’s your favorite part of the journey?
My creative process usually begins by either sketching out some ideas, and playing with colours in my sketch book, or going straight to the canvas and playing around with colours straight onto the canvas. I ALWAYS have some good tunes on while I paint, and usually some overalls or old clothes (lol!) and honestly just start vibing with the music. I generally dance around my studio, letting go of that ‘thinking’ side of my brain and just let the paint and pieces flow…I find that this is where the magic happens. My favourite part of the journey is when you hit that ‘sweet spot’ where the piece just starts coming together….sometimes abstract art takes a while until it starts forming into itself….and it’s a beautiful lesson in life…to trust the process…believe in that intuitive feeling, and to let the good feelings guide you until it hits that magic.
Engaging your Audience
When people experience your art, what kind of magical moments do you hope they have? Is there a particular feeling or adventure you want them to embark on?
I hope that when people experience my art that they feel the magic of connectedness and love. I hope that somehow, the pieces speak to them, to their heart and soul, and that they can feel the love and positivity that was poured into the creation process.
Evolution of Your Art
Your style has such a unique charm! How has it evolved over time, and what exciting influences or experiences have shaped your artistic path?
My style has definitely evolved over time, and is continuing to grow and change and evolve! I think that’s our job in life, and in art, to keep growing and becoming! It has definitely changed in my confidence to use brighter, bolder colours and concepts…which is exciting…and I’m so much more comfortable experimenting with different techniques now…I think as an artist I have a greater understanding now that experimenting, and learning, and making mistakes is how you get to the good stuff.
I am influenced by soooo many incredible artists…I love the work of the brilliant Ken Done, Mia Pensa, Kirsten Jackson, Anna Price and Lottie Rae. I’m also a massive fan of Emily Powell’s work as well as artists such as Petra Schott.
Personal Symbols and Themes
Are there fun symbols or themes that keep popping up in your work? What do they mean to you, and how do they add to the story of your art?
Horses, flowers and stars are symbols that continue to pop up in my work! Horses really speak to my home and roots, I still ride (though not at the moment while I’m pregnant!) and I live on a farm now with my partner…I find the freedom of horses and their strength really speaks to me and I don’t think I’ll ever really move on from them as a bit of a symbol in my life. Flowers, I just adore, and always have. To me, they are the ultimate symbol of femininity and blooming. And stars…I just love looking up at them, whether it’s in the early morning when they are fading or in the evening as they come out…there is something so deeply romantic about the stars, and I always feel so many of the people I love that have passed guiding me and watching over us all.
Looking Ahead
What’s on the horizon for you? Are there any new themes or projects you’re itching to dive into that will surprise and delight your audience?
I am really feeling into some very abstract pieces at the moment….mixes of colours, blending soft palettes with a few bold tones…I’m not sure if it’s pregnancy or just the stage of my life, but I feel such a calling for that freedom of movement and flow in abstraction!
Advice for Aspiring Artists
For those budding artists who dream of creating art that resonates with people, what upbeat advice would you share to inspire them on their creative journey?
Just start! Absolutely just start!!! As artists, and as humans, we all have that little voice of self doubt….it’s all part of our experience. The trick is to learn to keep going, even when the voice feels loud….to put your shoulders back, hold your head up and keep going with your art practice. To be brave enough to share it on social media, to step out from behind the art and show who you are, because that’s what art is, it’s a connection to ourselves. Believe in yourself, know that it’s ok to be learning, and just keep going and keep having fun!
