With an inherent talent for visual communication from childhood, Renae has enjoyed a successful career as a graphic designer for over a decade. She has established herself as a creative professional in Brisbane with a diverse skill-set including branding, illustration, digital design, and writing (a leftover skill from her original career path as a journalist).
During the pandemic, spending endless days and weeks at home with her energetic, creative daughter felt draining; Renae needed an activity that would occupy an imaginative three-year-old, but also feel energising for herself. Together, they started with watercolours, and free online courses from artists including Kerrie Hess (thank you, Kerrie!).
Later in 2020, Renae and her husband completed a years-long renovation of their c1920 Queenslander family home. As she began styling the home for sale - conscious of costs and buoyed by her watercolours - Renae began exploring larger-scale acrylic abstracts in the hopes of creating a few pieces to use throughout the home. Her use of drip movements, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours caught the attention of her local community and Renae felt inspired to continue her creative journey.
Experimentation plays a vital role in Renae's work. She continuously explores new techniques and materials to broaden her skills and style; artworks she is creating today are often nothing like artworks she created last month. What remains consistent though is the joy she feels when brush connects with canvas, shapes take form, and colour bursts under varnish.