Today we’d like to introduce you to Corran Brownlee.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Corran. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got my start as a storyboard artist in Calgary, Canada in the late 90s. Back then, my brother and I were the only two storyboard artists for miles so we worked on most of the projects that shot there. We moved to London where we continued doing storyboards and concept designs on everything from Guinness ads to James Bond opening title sequences.
We also started directing music and fashion videos and even a strange little short film with Keira Knightley. I spent a little time in LA, while I had the opportunity to contribute to COSMOS (season one) and a year in New York as a senior creative in a visual effects company. Then it was back to London to develop projects with various producers. I love the work I did and the people I collaborated with in the film industry over the last 20 years, but I started feeling a deep need to get my own vision out into the world without having to pitch to anyone or write another treatment.
Just me, some charcoal pencils and a stack of paper. Spring 2016, I went back to Calgary and set up my little art studio and started making stuff. Now that’s what I do every day and it’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I guess my biggest obstacle was me. It took me years to shake the idea that I needed permission to make my dreams come true. I used to feel a lot of stress, but that was because I didn’t have control over anything. The people calling the shots were always making a comfortable salary and were too afraid to take risks. I can’t say I blame them.
Now that I have total creative control all the stress is gone. The creative challenges I give myself these days are harder but way more enjoyable. I feel unleashed.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I mostly work with charcoal making dark, dreamlike scenes from untold stories. I like to hint at narrative in the scenes I create but leave then it up to the viewer to be the storyteller. Knowing that people, including creators and storytellers who I’ve been a fan of for years, like my work enough to frame it and hang it on their wall fills me with pride.
I’m not sure what sets me apart really. I suppose my work has a filmic feel to it, I’ve been told it’s a little Hitchcockian, which might be why it tends to appeal to a lot of filmmakers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m lucky I met Margot Ross when I stayed in LA. She’s a curator and art consultant and all around wonderful person. We’ve been wanting to work together for a while and then this year we had the opportunity when SHOW gallery opened in Hollywood. They asked Margot if she could bring any new artists to the gallery and she brought me! I had a show there in March and did a residency up in their loft for the month. It’s a really cool space set up by John Gheur and singer POE. You have to go check it out.
Some of my pieces are still hanging there. My brother Arran Brownlee played the biggest role. We’ve written, directed, played in bands, been in plays and developed all kinds of ideas together. We’re still collaborating on a lot of other projects. But also everyone who bought a piece, or even liked one on Instagram, stoked the flames and deserves credit for keeping me going.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1515 N Gardner St. Los Angeles CA 90046
- Website: corranbrownlee.com
- Instagram: @corran_brownlee
- Other: https://www.show.gallery/
Image Credit:
John Gheur
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
