Hey hey! I’m Olivia Paoluzzi-Brown, a 27-year-old artist in North Burnaby, British Columbia. I made the move here over three years ago during the pandemic, seeking a change of scenery and to be closer to my family in the province.
My artistic journey began at a young age with a foundational art course that instantly sparked my love for creation. High school became a sanctuary for my passion, offering fine arts courses where I could find a sense of superiority, especially during self-doubt. Over the years, I’ve explored various mediums—painting, drawing, carving, sculpture, printmaking, and fabric arts. Currently, my focus lies on illustrative ink artwork, with a recent foray into the enchanting world of watercolours. The boundless possibilities in art ensure that my creative journey continues to evolve.
Art has always been a constant in my life, seamlessly woven into every aspect. Following high school graduation, I confronted a pivotal decision regarding my future—community services or an art-focused program. This juncture held a vulnerable place for art in my heart. The fear of approaching art in a technical manner loomed, as I worried it might introduce stress and compromise the sacred form of self-expression I had cultivated.
Fast forward to 2023, I reached a pivotal moment where I decided to break free from the “what if” questions and afford myself a genuine opportunity to explore art as a career path. Currently, in my second semester at Langara College, I am deeply immersed in the world of fine arts.
Artistic Inspiration:
I draw inspiration from various sources. In today’s information-rich society, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. However, I believe it’s beneficial to have starting points, learning from other artists not for replication but to develop and broaden my skills. Currently, painters Polina Bright and Mia Pensa, also social media content creators, captivate me with their fun and free artistic style. Their work inspires me to embrace a looser, more expressive approach, something I’m working on incorporating into my own art.
Personal experiences and emotions also influence my art. Themes of confidence, inner beauty, feminine power, spirit, soul, grief, and loss often find their way into my creations. While my online shop may not fully reflect these themes, I’m committed to breaking the barrier between making the art I want and creating what resonates with others.
Unique Style and Themes:
My artistic style leans strongly towards realism, focusing on nature—animals, bones, trees, botanicals, and more. Nature, to me, holds spiritual meanings and energy, and exploring the contrast between human and natural elements fascinates me. I aim to convey the thoughts and emotions evoked by nature in my art, aiming for a deep connection between the viewer and the subject.
Favorite Projects:
One of my most cherished projects was a diptych I created for my first-semester drawing class. The theme centred around childhood trauma, joy, forgiveness, and moving forward. This project was unique because I allowed myself to work without boundaries, experimenting with a mix of several mediums. It marked a shift in my approach, fostering confidence and a willingness to try new things.
Challenges and Growth:
Reflecting on my artistic journey, I’ve faced numerous obstacles and perceived “failures.” Embracing the understanding that art is a personal journey, free from comparison, has been crucial. Letting go of timelines and comparing myself to others has allowed me to focus on my unique path. I remind myself that there is and always will only be one me. Maintaining perspective through gratitude and mindset practices, along with setting achievable goals, has helped me navigate challenges and keep moving forward. Sometimes, I even give myself pep talks, “I know you didn’t make a lot of sales at that market, but if you stop now, you’ll have even less than if you try.” It’s all a matter of knowing and understanding what you want to achieve so you can take the necessary steps to get there.
Continuous Growth:
I’m shamelessly into astrology. I’m an earth sign, Virgo, so I’m naturally a very organized and detail-oriented person. To approach continuous growth, you need to have a high level of organization and determination. It’s necessary to have measurable goals to know what the next thing you’re working towards is. Without a clear goal, it’s hard to know where to start or what to do, and it can easily become overwhelming. Sometimes, that can cause you to shut down and stay stagnant. Reflection is essential because you need to be aware of your goals and process to evaluate what needs to be done moving forward.
Artistic Process:
My creative process starts by avoiding forced ideas. Whether in school or personal work, I often begin with a word or theme, exploring it through multiple variations in my sketchbook. I focus on composition, creating initial light contour line drawings, and then progress through layers of mid, dark, and light tones. Regular breaks and viewing my work from different perspectives help maintain a fresh outlook. Knowing my creative limits and when to step back is crucial for a clear-headed approach the next day.
Rituals for Creativity:
Music is a must for my creative process. Drawing from my family’s musical background, jazz, instrumental, classical, or RnB tunes, such as those by Louis Armstrong or Ludovico Einaudi, set the mood and flow for my art. Quick doodles and fun drawing exercises help me loosen up and maintain a creative mindset.
Local Collaborations:
While I’m relatively new to the Vancouver community, I’m eager to collaborate with local artists or organizations in the future. The prospect of creating larger paintings for businesses or engaging in public art collaborations excites me.
Community Engagement:
I connect with the local community through my website (oliviapaoluzzi.com) and the Instagram page (@allarscreative), where I share video and photo content showcasing my artwork and lifestyle blog. I’ve participated in markets, one hosted on Vancouver Island at a private home and the other with Girls We Do Adore and Family Affair Market. In grade eleven, I also designed the front cover art for Money Magazine. For my writing, I’ve also written a blog piece for Black Women Vancouver Connect and a personal piece for The Looking Glass Foundation titled “A letter from my body“. I hope to keep expanding my professional portfolio in 2024!
Future Goals:
In the short term, I aim to explore various art forms and participate in at least ten more markets within the next five years. My long-term dream is to open an arts café in Vancouver or Victoria after school. This space will focus on community, connection, and accessibility, providing an opportunity for people to explore different art mediums in a supportive environment. Most art forms can be done with very little. But, some people experience barriers to trying a variety of art mediums. I want to provide a space that allows people to come in on a drop-in basis to try new art with their friends and family. I want to incorporate a recycling system where local community members can drop off their gently used art supplies they no longer need, and I can help resell them for a more affordable cost to students and low-income individuals. I also have a secret passion for baking and cooking, so I’d like to incorporate some kind of food component. I have a lot of really great ideas for this project, but the rest you’ll have to wait and see until I open!
Dream Projects:
My dream projects involve interactive art, collaborating with the City of Vancouver to install pieces that bring communities together. Additionally, I’m working on a poetry book and hope to see it published before turning 30.
Advice for Aspiring Artists:
To aspiring artists, I say: just start. You don’t need fancy equipment or classes; creativity requires only your hands. Be consistent, make what you love, and understand that not everyone will get it—and that’s okay. Research artists for technique and skill, seek inspiration in nature and your community and believe in your value as an artist.
Balancing Passion and Practical Needs:
Managing the delicate balance between passion and practical needs involves taking it slow, setting realistic goals, and reminding yourself of the “why” behind your journey. Discipline, prioritization, and small, consistent efforts each day contribute to sustainable progress, preventing burnout.
So, that’s a bit about me and my artistic journey. I’m excited to see where the future takes me and the art I’ll create!
