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Go behind the scenes with Carley Bourne —Australian artist and creator of the 2025 yearly wall planner collection.
Hey Carley! We are super excited about this collaboration, and even more keen to get to know you! Why did you decide to work with Notely?
I am a big fan of beautiful stationery and try to be sustainablewhere possible. Working with an eco-friendly company is important to me, and goes hand-in-hand with my theme of work being mostly nature. Every piece purchased means a new tree is planted, how great is that!
Tell us about your creative practice. How, when, and why do you create?
I usually have a rough colour way or palette in mind before beginning a new piece, and I also have a rough idea of whether it will be floral, tropical, or botanical based. My creations begin quite abstract and then come the layers and details. I am a fan of using mark-making techniques and also painted illustrations within the artwork. I only paint when I feel 100% focused and in the ‘zone’.
If I need a break I have my wonderful native botanical-style garden to sit or walk around. Being surrounded by plant life and nature is very important to me, this is where I get my inspirationfrom. I also use music to release the right type of energy to help the creating process.
How did you get started in the creative industries? Do you remember a moment, time, or place when you realised this is what you’d love to do?
I have always created art and had a love for all art forms, althoughonly began painting professionally in 2019. Once I made the leap and put my artwork out to the world, it just began to snowball. I sold my first painting that same week, and then it grew from there. I have artworkall over the world in both private and public collections, and many in 5-star hotels.
This is amazing, but it's also what I love to do, or was born to do, it just took a little while to have the courage to take that step.
What do you love about it?
I love everything, the creative process, working with paint and colour, being my boss and the flexibility I have. I also love how every day is different. Being a full-time artist also involves many other ‘jobs’–I run my website, do all packing and logistics, take all my images/editing, order processing, networking, write all my content for other galleries and of course allof the social media work. So it keeps me busy but it’s never monotonous or boring.
In your years as a creative, has there been a turning point or catalyst for changing your path?
I startedfirst part-time, working another job. Afterjust under a year, I began selling more constantly, including large limited edition prints. This is where I made the decisionand leap to transition to full-time. Once I was able to create more new work with the extra time I had and put more energy into other areas of the business, I then began getting requests for collaborations with other companies. I think then I began to realise more the type of artist I was and who it appealed to more.
Tell usabout how your work has evolved or changed over the past few years…
I feel that although my work has evolved, and I have created larger-scale works, I still have the same processes thatcreate the same style. Ido think it’s important for any creative person to have their unique style, a niche you are then known by. I like that someone will see my artwork and before checking they know it’s one of mine.
What are your favourite tools of the trade?
Brushes, of course, I tend to prefer cheaperones due tousing acrylic and thinners. When it comes to canvas/paper and paints, then quality is essential. I wouldhaveto also say Spotify for music, Instagram for social media, and of course my trusty iPhone forjust about every part of my work/business, except the painting!
Tell us about your workspace….
We moved about a year ago to a more rural town from the coast. The plan is to build a large studio space within the floral garden we have, but for now, I have the whole of the garage space. It houses a huge wall for painting large-scale canvases, with windows to see the garden views, I have easels and all my paints, etc. Then I have space for the packing aspect, with large bulk flat pack boxes, and a large packing table.
Where do you look for inspiration or what helps keep you motivated?
Out and about in nature, from a coastal walk to the hinterland or rainforest. I'm also a little addicted to anything interior design or styling, so this helps with experimenting with a new colour or palette, and also being in the know with current trends or styles.
Flowers from my garden walks!! I have an array of banksia, bottle brushes, gums, wattles, kangaroo paws, and many cottage-style flowers. I have a cactus garden and then on the east side, a tropical zone where Iam always sketching exotic foliage and florals.
