Meet Artist Coris Evans
Introduce yourself…
I am a female painter currently living in Byron Bay. I grew up on the Central Coast of NSW and from a very young age was completely obsessed with everything art and fashion related. I have always wanted to be an artist. I actually remember my kindergarten teacher telling my parents to encourage me to keep drawing because it’s all I ever did in class.
I’m also the Inventory Coordinator at Spell where I am lucky enough to not only be surrounded by amazingly inspirational women everyday, but I also get to live out all perfectionist tendencies looking after Spell stock.
Share your story…
In my 20s I loved the busy city life, living in Sydney and London with a few stints in Paris and LA to study Fine Art, work at some prominent galleries, with world-renowned curators and designers.
But as I got older I wanted to live a more peaceful, grounded life and to have the freedom to focus on my own art practice. So 5 years ago I packed up my hectic city life and moved to Byron Bay and never looked back.
What does your art represent to you?
At the core, my art is essentially a celebration of women – the strong, the confident but also the fragile and vulnerable. Each painting has either a specific woman in mind or a statement of empowerment, self love and sisterhood. It’s about stripping back layers, social ideals and seeing beauty in the everyday.
Who are the women that inspire you?
I’ve always been drawn to confident, resilient, and intelligent women- in particularly my own Mother- who was the most beautiful person inside and out. She suffered from Cancer for many years and unfortunately passed away when I was 19 years old. Even in the most heartbreaking times she was such a gracious, selfless and supportive mother and my best friend. She is definitely my most treasured inspiration and this has followed with me through my art practice.
Your daily rituals?
An important part of my daily routine is meditation. I meditate twice a day for 20 minutes, once early in the morning and once in the evening. I’ve always been drawn to learning ways to stay grounded and present, which I think is so important not only for my art practice but also for mental clarity and compassion in this crazy time we are all living right now.
Words you live by?
Don’t compare yourself to others because everyone has their own journey- my Mother always said that to me as a kid and it has resonated with me ever since.
Best book recommendation?
My favourite book of all time is The Secret Life of Salvador Dali. Yes, he is a crazy, egotistical character that lived the most outrageous life but I just love his integrity and ability to live by his own rules. Dali’s autobiography has inspired me to live life to the fullest and to believe in myself, no matter what.
What is fueling your creativity…?
For me, expressing myself creatively is a part of who I am and my desire to paint never stops. Just like hunger or sleep, the need to paint never goes away. I think that once you’ve tapped into your creative outlet and found your passion, the love for that art form becomes ingrained into your soul and mind and you have to feed it everyday. It’s never a chore.
What advice would you give emerging creatives?
Never give up! Whatever your passion is, find and nurture it by doing it everyday. And if you think you don’t have the time, then find the time because it will fill your life with so much joy and satisfaction.
And as my Mother always told me, don’t compare yourself to others. There’s always going to be people more experienced than you, but no one has your unique story to offer. So be yourself, find your niche and focus on your own special talents and interests and you can never go wrong.
With love to Coris Evans
Captured by Mel Carrero
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