In conversation: Elizabeth Braid

Image: Artist Elizabeth Braid works on her newest piece, using charcoal and paper. Photo: Richard Harmey.

Through her evocative watercolours, charcoal and chalk works on paper, Elizabeth Braid explores the beauty of the natural world around us. She seeks to understand our connection to nature - and also to each other.  

As an artist based in Tasmania's north-west, Braid finds herself interested in how our remote location shapes our community and connections. 

"I look out at Bass Strait and find it incredibly beautiful and mysterious," she said. "I wonder how that large body of water impacts the identity of my small coastal community.” 

"I also just like pondering Tasmania's beauty, like the way the light in autumn catches the crests of gusty waves and creates patterns on the ocean's surface.  

"I am interested in how these sorts of minute details affect our sense of place and connection to the natural world." 

Image: Tasmanian artist Elizabeth Braid stands beside the coast that inspires her artwork. Photo: Richard Harmey.

Braid is energised by her artistic evolution, dabbling in a variety of mediums and materials as her career progresses.  

"I love being in the flow when I paint with watercolour. To be led in the way the paint wants to go and be surprised by how the pigment decides to dry," Braid said. 

"Over time, I have developed skills and grown in my technique which allows me to manipulate control in this process.  

"I am enjoying charcoal and chalk at the moment for the more expressive markings and its smudgy nature. I am obsessed with paper and in the early days of making my own." 

Braid acknowledges how her childhood influenced her creative practice. "I spent my early years in India, living and playing in the foothills of the Himalayas," she recalled. "So, a lot of my early influences are from the rich traditions over there."  

Art had played a significant part in Braid's life from an early age. "I've enjoyed painting and drawing and making weird things ever since I was little," she said.  

"There was this craze in Grade One of collecting the fine powder from ground stones. Our recesses were spent grinding the stones we'd found the day before. Different colours were stored in different zip lock bags. A new colour was highly revered! Collecting colour is kind of what I still love to do." 

Image: A collection of watercolour and charcoal on paper works by Tasmanian artist Elizabeth Braid. Photo: Richard Harmey.

Now, as she develops her artistry, she takes inspiration from many sources.  

"I am absolutely in awe of the miniature paintings in the Deccani style and I think tantric traditional paintings are incredible," said Braid. "I love the decadence of Klimt and the balance of Miro. I've also always had a soft spot for Egon Schiele." 

While she enjoys the creative process, Braid admits it can be challenging. 

"It can be frantic. It can be calming. It can feel like a detox. It can be frustrating. Sometimes I feel like all my paintings are like old friends but sometimes I feel like setting a torch to all my work. It can feel like madness," she stated.  

"But when I'm on a roll and know what I want to create, it feels meaningful, like I'm following an idea on the tip of my tongue. It feels like a good song that you can listen to on repeat and get lost in the places it takes you." 

Image: Artist Elizabeth Braid works in her studio in Penguin on Tasmania's north-west coast. Photo: Richard Harmey.

Braid's work is featured in RISE in 2023, QVMAG's biennial exhibition that showcases Tasmania's most collectible and significant emerging artists. 

"I am incredibly honoured to be invited to exhibit in this group show at QVMAG," she said. "Not only does it mean I get to put my work in a beautiful space amongst some other incredible art, but QVMAG has a history and a great reputation.  

"Exhibiting in spaces like these is really important for career progression - to be able to apply for certain opportunities, residencies, shows, prizes, and more." 

Braid has encouraging words for early career artists. "Try not to compare yourself with others on a similar journey," she advised, "but make your art and take the opportunities that arise if you like the sound of them! 

"Careers ebb and flow and each one is different so it's important to keep following your nose and experiment with what you're making and enjoy it."