Candice Cockatoo

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With a passion firmly cemented in colour, texture, drawing and all things retro matched with a vivid imagination and a love for the great outdoors, I would describe my technique as uniquely me! Putting a pen in my hand has always given me calm, a direction in some respects although the end result sometimes even surprises me.
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Over the years I have had many ‘careers’, all with a focus on creativity however all roads have led me back to art. From IT, to graphic design, colour consulting, interior stylist or renovator I tend to be happiest in my ‘tiny home’ shipping container studio. Wonderfully fitted out with second-hand materials and re-purposed nic nacs, it is the perfect space to create.
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Located on acreage under the canopy of a natural bush setting, I can sit with my senses in tune with the environment…oh and the occasional dog cuddle on the front timber deck certainly goes without saying. Surrounded by organised chaos and rows of colours, I enjoy creating bespoke pieces inspired by old books, textures in photos and the shapes in nature — sea life, trees, leaves, feathers, typography of landscapes, flow of moving water and animals running. These subjects are portrayed in my unique and colourful style.
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My technique is all about ‘drawing’ with the paint. I find the process of mixing colours, getting the right paint consistency and selecting the perfect brush frustrating. So, after MUCH experimentation, I now ‘draw’ with paint onto the canvas with squeeze bottles. Each set of bottles has different paint consistencies — thick / normal / thin. The metal nibs enable me to do all the fine detail, just like I would do with a sharpened pencil when finessing drawing. I find I can produce paintings with wonderful textures and depth using areas of solid colour, different line thicknesses, stippling and blending of paint.
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Working on custom commissioned pieces allows me listen to your stories, to capture that moment in time just for you. It is important that the piece creates an emotional connection and I believe the artwork should bring colour and happiness into your life! It should inspire storytelling– what will your piece say?
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Whether I am capturing my imagination on canvas, working on custom commissioned pieces telling your story or busy bringing colour into your world via bespoke functional homewares, I love what I do.