Wanda Comrie : Australian Flora
Australian artist Wanda Comrie is known for her vibrant still life paintings of floral arrangements in unique, handmade vessels. Bright yellows, deep purples and brilliant greens permeate each of Wanda’s paintings. In this interview, Wanda shares the inspiration behind her work, and discusses how Insatgram has become a key tool in building her creative empire.
Hi Wanda! Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I studied Graphic Design straight out of high school (a long time ago, when photoshop was just out!) - I was disillusioned and didn’t really feel I graduated with any particularly useful tools and I worked in hospitality before having my first child. Along the way I was always making something, whether it was cards or clothes or painting planters. Fast forward; my first foray into oil paints and painting was in a community course in a small country town. After that I was hooked. I entered small competitions and got some positive feedback and a little more confidence to keep going.
What led you to focus on still life painting, particularly flowers?
I started painting fish and struggled to find ‘my style’. As i got older, my interest in nature and gardening and noticing the awesome plants locally, combined with the fabulous Aussie sunlight led me to paint our gorgeous flora.. I’ve also got a healthy obsession with handmade ceramics and i often go out of my way to include my collection of handmade vessels in my compositions.
Can you tell me about your creative process and how you select your subject matter?
I work from my own composed photos, as flowers don’t tend to last long and the light is ever changing. Whatever is in season might pique my interest, something i find on an afternoon walk or what the local protea farm is harvesting. I team found blooms with my collection of vases and vessels - a lot of them handmade by crafts people, that I’ve usually connected with via Instagram.
How has your work shifted and evolved over time?
I’d love to say that I’ve loosened up, but I’ve probably tightened up! I keep trying to embrace my ocd bents and there’s a constant voice in my head, pulling me another way. I’m better at seeing colours and, with practice, mixing those colours
How has the current pandemic impacted your practice?
I’m a very solitary worker so in that way, not much has changed. But online scrolling has increased during this time and so has my business which I’m very grateful for.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
If I have cut flowers, I will be photographing them in the morning, making the most of the light. If I have to pack to send work, I usually procrastinate and fluff about and hopefully visit the post office later in the day. I paint, upstairs in my home studio for about 8 hours each day, with snacks, dog pats and chats with the chickens in the garden in between.
How has Instagram impacted your career as an artist?
I can’t actually imagine my art practice without instagram as that’s where I sell my work. I joined insta about 4 years ago, and someone told me I should post once a day and be consistent. That stuck in my brain and motivated me to make work and post regularly. So I made work, daily and posted, which in turn improved my skills. I spend way too much time on insta but I love it and have now built a real community, with repeat collectors coming back again and again. I also love to chat with so many different people from all over the world, which breaks up my solitary days a bit.
What are your greatest accomplishments as an artist so far?
Nearly everyday, I marvel with my husband that I’ve built up a very viable business in a relatively short time span with loyal lovely collector’s worldwide. The relationships that now exist from my communication will be enduring and far reaching. My waiting list is long and I continue to strive to make fine work daily.
Follow Wanda on Instagram: wandacomrie
Website: www.wandacomrie.com