I’m a graphic designer by trade, working across print and digital, but recently I’ve been feeling the need to step outside the usual boundaries of my practice. I want to explore new ways of making, like illustration, printmaking, painting, even installation, and also start developing my writing (I have a Substack that is dedicated to exploring my creativity). I’ve had this idea bubbling away to create a zine that brings all of those elements together. Something handmade, personal and rooted in storytelling.
What really speaks to me about this opportunity is the space to take risks, to try something new without having to justify it in commercial terms. I’ve had to put a lot of creative ambitions on pause (things like producing wall prints from The Art Divination Deck, or printing merch with my artwork) just because the funds weren’t there. I’d love to finally bring those projects to life.
I’ve also dreamed of attending festivals like Calabash in Jamaica, which happened this weekend May 23rd, where writers and artists from across the Afro-diaspora gathered and celebrated Jamaican and diaspora literature. I couldn’t afford to go, but the thought of connecting with my peers in my home country and community; sharing ideas, maybe finding mentors or future collaborators is something I still carry with me. There are more festivals like that out there, and this funding could open that door.
More than anything, this funding would give me the time and support to grow. I want to take courses in new mediums, expand what I’m capable of creatively, and build a more sustainable life as an independent artist without urgency, scarcity and fear of not supporting my basic needs. It’s not easy out here for artists, but I’m committed to the work, and I’m excited by the chance to push it somewhere new.
I think my work might encourage more collaboration amongst artistic practitioners in the area, as a lot of the work I do (like The Art Divination Deck), is collaborative and has brought together people who may not have otherwise worked together. I like that there are opportunities, like The Community Arts Project at Darlington library, for local artists to showcase their work and colour the local community. This is completely aligned with the way I work. I’d also encourage the community arts cafe to maybe host an artists salon (similar to the one that is in the works for me).
I’m a multidisciplinary visual artist who specialises in graphic design. In my practice I work across digital and print, and this looks like basic illustrations on paper, designing logos, creating brand visual identity, designing editorial spreads for textbook, workbooks, information packs and reports, designing event flyers or animating static assets for social media. I have been in the industry for 7 years and I am entirely self-taught, but I have been commissioned by small to large organisations (such as broadcasters), award-winning musicians and fellow multi-hyphenate creatives. I am drawn to surrealism, and explore this through distinctive surrealist digital collages. With each piece, I invite the viewer into a dreamlike realm, challenging perceptions and evoking a profound sense of wonder. My art is not just a visual experience but an exploration, inviting a deeper connection with the mysteries of existence, the real/unreal and the power of imagination. I’m a former resident artist at Peckham Festival and have exhibited at Copeland Gallery as part of the Peckham Festival (2024).
No, I am entirely self-taught.
Yes – in 2022 I designed and created a concept for an 84-card oracle deck of cards: The Art Divination Deck. The deck, with accompanying collage prints and 33-page guidebook, is an afro-futurist affirmation deck and a visual celebration of the power of connection, intuition and creativity. It was designed to reimagine the traditional tarot archetypes, combining a newly created symbol and colour system, surrealist collages and song lyrics used as healing affirmations. In 2022, I applied and was awarded an Arts Council Project grant to produce 100 decks and pay all participants to help develop the project, in strict accordance to recognised codes of practice and fair pay guidelines set by the relevant lead bodies for artists and creatives.
Yes – I am currently ideating an intimate, monthly artist salon (dinner) project series, which is something I have wanted to develop for years; I am at the market research/pitching stage. It would loosely model traditional salons, and its aim is to create a space where artists and creatives can deeply connect over themed conversations, the sharing of art/music/literature, showcase work and food. The themed conversations would be sparked by conversation cards I have already designed but need funding to produce and distribute.
Yes – the Art Divination Deck was reviewed in a wish-list on Rebecca Moore’s platform (of Innerlanding).
Yes, I was an artist-in-residence for Peckham Festival 2024 and was selected for The Palace of the Dog’s 2024 summer artist residency.
Email: hello@elisiabrown.com
Address: Apartment 802 Sandow, 39 Heygate street, London, SE17 1FT, GB
Local Authority: London Borough of Southwark
