IN THE FIELD ~

BRITTANY FERNS

On memory, making, and the beauty found in things that carry evidence of time.

There are certain objects we hold onto. Not because they remain pristine, but because they don't. For the first chapter of In The Field, we spent some time with Newcastle artist Brittany Ferns in her studio — a space bearing all the accumulated marks of making.

Brittany's work draws on memory, motherhood, folklore and place. Around her, those ideas seem to extend beyond the canvas — into worn brushes and palettes, paint-covered clothes, works in progress and the objects that have travelled with her over time.

We sat down with Brittany to talk about her practice, the influence of travel, learning to trust instinct, and why the things that carry evidence of use often become the things we value most.

How would you describe your practice?

My practice is centred around storytelling, memory and creating through my own strange little lens. Through painting, I explore recurring symbols that have become part of my visual language, including feminine figures, the sun, the moon, landscapes and references to folklore.

What tends to inspire your work most these days?

I think my work is always evolving. I'm often inspired by what's happening around me at the time, my emotional state, conversations I'm having and the places I'm spending time in. Colour plays a big role too. Recently I've been exploring deep blues and greens, which felt like a real shift from my usual earthy palette. I always come back to similar themes though, motherhood, femininity, folk tales and slowness.

Your work often returns to recurring symbols and motifs. What draws you to them?

The symbols have developed organically over many years. I love that many of them are universal, cross-cultural symbols that can hold different meanings for different people. They explore ideas of motherhood, nature, memory, transformation and belonging, while folk-inspired motifs add a little magic. The siren, for instance, appears in many cultures and throughout history, carrying different stories and interpretations. I love that it can connect people in different ways. By returning to the same motifs, I'm able to push my materials, colours and techniques further while still speaking through a familiar visual language.

How did your time in Mexico and Guatemala shape your practice?

Travelling through Mexico and Guatemala was incredible. I was inspired by the colour, craftsmanship, folk art traditions and the way stories are woven into everyday life. There was a richness and sense of history everywhere I looked. Those experiences reinforced my love of symbolism and handmade objects, and they continue to influence my work today. It was also a personal journey. My mum is Uruguayan, so I've always felt inspired to learn Spanish. It also reinforced how important travel is to me, and it's something I hope my children get to experience throughout their lives as well.

"I was inspired by the colour, craftsmanship, folk art traditions and the way stories are woven into everyday life."

What is it about Newcastle that continues to inspire you?

I love living in Newcastle. My favourite place is Glenrock. I love running through the bush, and the golden light filtering through the gum trees always brings me peace. Being able to move between the bush and the ocean so easily is something I never take for granted, and both landscapes continue to find their way into my work.

What draws you to textured, imperfect materials?

I love materials that already feel like they have a story to tell. Texture creates depth and character. I'm drawn to surfaces that feel weathered, worn and imperfect because they remind me of the beauty found in things that have been lived with and loved over time.

"I love materials that already feel like they have a story to tell."

What do you love about objects that show signs of use, wear and history?

I think those marks become part of the story. They show that something has been valued enough to be kept and used. Whether it's an old piece of furniture, a worn textile or a favourite pair of boots.

What are the things in life that become more interesting with age?

People, stories, homes, artworks and objects. Anything that carries evidence of time becomes more meaningful to me. I think age brings depth, character and complexity. My own home is full of character. As much as there are things I'd love to renovate one day, I also love that it's a little quirky, oddly shaped and full of interesting features. Those imperfections are what make it feel like home.

"Anything that carries evidence of time becomes more meaningful to me."

How long have you owned this pair of Blundstones?

Long enough that they've become part of my studio uniform. They've been with me through countless painting days and have definitely earned every paint mark and scuff. They also travelled with me throughout Mexico and Guatemala. I think I bought them in 2022 before we headed off.

When you look at the paint marks and wear on your boots now, what do they remind you of?

They remind me of time spent making. Every paint mark shows a day in the studio, a collection Ive been working on, a deadline or a moment of experimentation. They also remind me of travelling through Mexico. They've been well and truly loved.

"Beauty isn't found in perfection;it's found in character."

You're represented by Tappan Collective in Los Angeles, Uprise Art in New York and Grainger Gallery in Canberra, with your first group exhibition in Portugal coming up. What's next on the horizon?

I'm represented by Tappan Collective in Los Angeles, as well as Uprise Art in New York and Grainger Gallery in Canberra. This year I'll also be taking part in my first group exhibition in Portugal with Eritage Gallery, which I'm incredibly excited about. It feels like a wonderful opportunity to begin sharing my work with a European audience, and I'm really hoping I can make it over for the opening.

What are you currently excited about?

I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way recently. Ive just launched my new website, I just received the keys to my new studio space in Redhead. I am preparing for upcoming exhibitions and continuing to evolve as an artist. It feels like there's a lot of possibility ahead, and that's a lovely place to be.

"It feels like there's a lot of possibility ahead, and that's a lovely place to be.

Connect with Brittany Ferns @brittany.ferns and www.brittanyferns.com

Photography by www.justinaaron.com.au