Australian artist Brittany Ferns is celebrated for her richly layered paintings that combine texture, storytelling and contemporary design. Based in Newcastle, NSW, Ferns creates original artworks that explore personal narrative, cultural heritage and the beauty found in everyday life. Working across painting and mixed media, her distinctive practice has earned recognition among collectors, interior designers and homeowners seeking contemporary Australian art with depth and character.
Originally trained in textile design in Los Angeles, Brittany brings a unique material sensibility to every piece. Her paintings are carefully constructed through layers of linen, plaster, wax, oil paint and rice paper, creating tactile surfaces that invite closer inspection. Recurring motifs, including mermaids, suns, flowers fish, and figures, weave together memories, symbolism and lived experiences, resulting in artworks that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.
In this journal, we explore Brittany Ferns' creative practice, the inspiration behind her work, and why her original paintings have become sought-after pieces for thoughtfully designed interiors.
How did you become a painter?
I came to painting through a creative career in textile and graphic design. I worked in the fashion industry in both Australia and Los Angeles. After having my second child, my daughter Edie, and moving from LA to Newcastle, I found myself in a very different season of life. During that stay-at-home period, I started painting. I loved the idea of painting because it felt slower and it got me away from the computer. It became the creative outlet I needed.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My work is always shifting and evolving. I usually find myself inspired by what's happening around me at the time, by my emotional state, and sometimes by conversations and questions I'm being asked about the work. Those questions can often lead me down a new path and encourage me to explore ideas from a different perspective.
I've noticed that my emotions often influence my colour palettes. I'm naturally drawn to earthy tones, but for recent collections I felt an unexpected pull towards blues and greens. For a long time I had been hesitant to use it, so in many ways the collection became an opportunity to push through that fear and see where it could take me. I explored layers of deep blues and greens, creating works that feel quite different from previous collections while still remaining connected to my visual language.
Over time I've developed a series of symbols that hold different meanings for me. These include feminine figures, motherhood , the sun, the moon, the earth, the sea, the bush, trees, landscapes, folklore, travel, memory and cultural heritage. They become a way of exploring stories visually.
How has your signature style developed?
I think I'm always trying to push myself with colour, texture and technique, which mostly comes with the amount of time I've been able to dedicate to my practice. Because my inspiration comes from a personal place, I've found that returning to the same symbols allows me to keep evolving technically while maintaining a cohesive visual language.
The recurring motifs have become familiar companions in my work. By keeping those symbols consistent, I'm able to experiment more freely with materials, surfaces and colour. I think it makes a big difference when an artist can create cohesively and develop a recognisable voice over time, it can be tricky.
How do you approach your practice?
To be honest, I love the idea of slow moments, floating figures and an air of calm, but that's not really my daily reality. My life is busy and chaotic at times. I have two children in primary school and there isn't much downtime.
I use my time well. When I'm in the studio, I'm focused. I think in many ways I paint the energy I desire rather than the energy I actually have. The paintings become a place where I can create a sense of stillness, softness and reflection, even when life feels anything but.
Could you describe a typical day in your studio?
Coffee first. I arrive at the studio with my dog, Coco, change into my paint-covered clothes, and get started.
I try to be in the studio five days a week, although school activities and family life often have other plans. No two days are the same, but I like to prioritise painting first, followed by the business side of things; planning collections, photographing artwork, and managing orders and emails.
Most of the admin ends up being done at night, and I could definitely be better at responding to people. There just never seem to be enough hours in the day.
How do you build the surfaces of your paintings?
My work has changed and evolved over the years. I've spent years experimenting with materials and processes, and over time I've developed a routine and technique that I hope feels distinctive to my practice.
The surface of a painting feels important to me. I build layers and then take them away, allowing each stage of the process to contribute to the final feeling of the work. While my methods continue to evolve, I'm always searching for ways to create depth, character, and a sense of history within a painting.
I work with materials such as wax, marble dust, thick linens, and occasionally Japanese rice paper, each adding its own texture and presence to the surface.
How do you approach colour in your practice?
Some of my favourite books are The Book of Earth and Werner’s Nomenclature Of Colour. They feature beautiful colour palettes placed side by side, and I'm naturally drawn to those earthy, harmonious combinations.
That said, sometimes I let feeling take over and simply follow instinct. I think there should always be room for experimentation and for discovering where your work wants to go next. Some of my favourite colour combinations have come from taking risks and stepping outside what feels familiar.
How is texture important in your work?
Texture gives my work a sense of time and history. While the imagery itself feels contemporary I love the imperfect nature of painting and the little accidents that can ultimately make a work stronger.
I'm terrible at measuring perfectly straight lines. I mix colours by eye and rarely make exactly the right amount for an entire painting let alone collection. Instead, I rely on intuition for the most part. I work on a very thick, textured linen that creates lovely depth. I hope these surfaces give the paintings a feeling of history, like a treasured object being passed from one generation to the next, or a story that has been told and retold over time.
What are you working on now and what can we expect next?
At the moment I can barely keep up with the workload, which is something I'm incredibly grateful for.
I'm continuing to create the pieces that collectors have connected with while also experimenting with new ideas and techniques. I have several exciting group exhibitions coming up and I'm looking forward to sharing some new work that continues to push my practice forward.
What do you hope people take away, or feel from your work?
I don't want my work to feel too directed. I'm guided by emotions, feelings, the weather, memories and whatever is happening around me at the time. The paintings are very much an extension of myself.
Because of that, I think there are many different things someone could take away from the work. I hope viewers are able to weave their own story into a piece and find their own meaning within it. More than anything, I hope the work feels timeless and can continue to resonate with people for years to come.
SHOP THE COLLECTION
At Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery, we're proud to represent Brittany Ferns and share her latest original artworks with collectors who value contemporary Australian art and handmade craftsmanship. Whether you're searching for a statement piece or looking to begin your art collecting journey, Brittany's paintings offer a timeless connection between art, home and the stories that shape both.
Explore the latest collection of original artworks by Brittany Ferns HERE or visit our Sydney gallery to experience their rich texture and detail in person.
FAQ: BRITTANY FERMS
Who is Brittany Ferns?
Brittany Ferns is an Australian contemporary artist based in Newcastle, NSW. Working across painting and mixed media, she creates richly layered artworks inspired by personal narrative, cultural heritage and the beauty of everyday life. Her work is recognised for its tactile surfaces, symbolic imagery and thoughtful use of materials.
What materials does Brittany Ferns use?
Brittany Ferns creates her paintings using a combination of linen, plaster, wax, oil paint and rice paper. By building multiple layers of texture and colour, she creates artworks with remarkable depth, inviting viewers to discover new details over time.
What inspires Brittany Ferns' artwork?
Her work is influenced by memory, family history, travel and traditional craft. Time spent travelling through Mexico and Guatemala had a lasting impact on her practice, deepening her appreciation for handmade techniques, cultural symbolism and storytelling through art.
What style of art does Brittany Ferns create?
Brittany Ferns creates contemporary mixed media paintings that combine abstraction with symbolic imagery. Recurring motifs, including suns, flowers and figures, reflect themes of connection, place and personal experience while giving each artwork its own unique narrative.
Where can I buy Brittany Ferns' artwork?
Original artworks by Brittany Ferns are available through Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery. As many of her works are one of a kind, availability changes regularly. Browse the latest collection online or visit our Sydney gallery to view selected works in person.
Are Brittany Ferns' artworks original?
Yes. Every Brittany Ferns artwork available through Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery is an original, one-of-a-kind piece. Each painting is created by hand using her distinctive mixed media process.
Is Brittany Ferns' artwork suitable for interior design projects?
Absolutely. Brittany Ferns' textured paintings are popular with homeowners, interior designers, architects and stylists looking for original Australian art that adds warmth, texture and character to residential and commercial spaces.
Where is Brittany Ferns based?
Brittany Ferns lives and works in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, where she creates her contemporary paintings and mixed media artworks.
Why do collectors choose Brittany Ferns' work?
Collectors are drawn to Brittany Ferns' paintings for their layered textures, thoughtful storytelling and timeless aesthetic. Her ability to combine rich materiality with subtle symbolism creates artworks that continue to reveal new details and meaning over time, making them lasting pieces for both private collections and beautifully designed interiors.
