We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
The first painting I sold was in 2003 in my final year thesis show after completing undergraduate studies at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. I recall feeling extremely excited and proud of myself and my friends for completing a challenging 4years of study and to be given the opportunity to showcase our work in a gallery setting for the first time. I was standing in front of my work and just beaming with joy from all the compliments I was receiving from visitors about my work. I noticed a shift in the energy of the room as a tall man enter the space he walked around and took some time to look at the works on display. When he got to where I was standing he pointed at one of my paintings and said I want that one, of course it took some time to register to my mind that this person wanted to buy my work. The painting was of a brain with a belt wrapped tightly around it, I don’t remember the title of the painting but it was a painting I felt very proud about. The painting was a self-portrait addressing the psychological effect of childhood trauma of feeling rejected and unloved by my father. Interestingly while I was conversing with the client and he introduced himself as Dr, Aggrey Irons. At the time I did not know who he was but later I learned that he was an art collector and an outstanding and respected Jamaican Psychiatrist. Dr. Irons gave me his phone number and ask me to deliver the painting to his office, I recall how anxious I was the days leading up to delivering the painting and all the thoughts about what I could use the money to do. Dr. Irons paid me in cash and I can still see the white envelope and see the full payment for the painting, in that moment I knew that I must purse the dream of becoming an artist and that what I am able to express through my work was relevant and would compel other collectors to invest in my work.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a visual artist/painter, my work is representational with a focus on the figure. As a child, I enjoyed creating things I used to make drawings in all my school books and my friends would ask me to draw for them so from a young age I knew I wanted to be an artist. After completing high school, my teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in art. I received training at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in 2003/2009 and at the New York Academy of Art in 2014. I have been exhibiting my work both locally in Jamaica and internationally. My work is in notable collections such as the Bennett collection of female realist painters, the Theresa Roberts Collection of Jamaican Art, and other private collections. I provide my clients with one-of-a-kind original oil paintings that are created entirely by me I also make works through commissions for clients who love the work that I make but want their own personalized artwork. The problems I solve for clients vary and include things such as the suitable size of work and materials to fit the budget and space of the client. I am extremely proud of myself for staying true and for not giving up on the dream to do what I love. With all the many challenges and sacrifices I have made on the journey to become an artist I applaud myself for my dedication and hard work because it is paying off. I want my clients, supporters, followers, and fans to know that the brand Alicialisabrown creates and provide paintings that are created with passion, I make figurative work because I find people compelling and I can connect with and express humanity through my works. Each painting as I mentioned before is unique and is suitable for any space. My most recent solo exhibition was at UUUArt Collective Gallery in Rochester, New York in January 2022. I am currently creating new works for another solo exhibition with the Gallery that represents me Winston Wachter Gallery, NewYork in September 2023, My work is also represented by MContemporary Gallery in Detroit.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the fact that I am doing what I love and am most passionate about. It is also quite gratifying knowing that the art I create resides in the spaces of collectors from diverse backgrounds and several countries. Being able to share what I love with others is fulfilling and encouraging in times when I might feel discouraged or uncertain about the investment in my art.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
There are various goals that I set for myself to propel my creative journey, the main one is work ethic and self-growth. I think it is crucial to be aware and work on self-development and connection with others in order to have a thriving business as an artist,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicialisabrown.com
- Instagram: @alicialisabrown
- Facebook: Alicia Brown/Jamaican artist
Image Credits
Daniel Perales studio