Alex Mason

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm from Inverell, regional NSW. I'm 26, I create colourful, textured art pieces from my closet turned art studio with my two sausage dogs at my feet. I worked in radio for five years both here and in Brisbane before getting homesick and moving back to Inverell and becoming youth worker; which I quit a week ago so I'm officially a full-time artist! 

What is your favourite drink?

Coffee or pre workout to get me to the gym in the mornings. I love going to the gym too! 

What inspired you to start painting/drawing? 
My mum was an artist and sign writer; Dad painted houses and is a professional wildlife and landscape photographer. I remember seeing one of mum's paintings at my nans house, she used no-more-gaps to create texture which inspired me to try it! 

In the last year I was suffering anxiety caused by scary shifts at work so I used art as therapy. I paint flowers because I feel there is no pressure for them to look a certain way which I find freeing. 

What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Just start! I always told myself I wanted to be an artist when I bought my own house; when I had my own studio space. Instead, I started painting from my closet/spare room in our rental with a drop sheet on the carpet surrounded by bags, shoes and unfolded clothes in washing baskets. I spent 11 months experimenting with textured art, materials and styles and finding my own style. I made an Instagram page, called myself an "artist" and decided to release 4 paintings in Nov 22. They sold in 2 days! So, my encouragement is just start now, with what you have. 

You can see more of Alex Mason’s work here.