“It’s been a fun journey! My name is Flip, I’m a 33 year old artist based in Torquay. I’m originally from an organic fruit property in country Queensland (Bauple). Growing up in the bush with no TV, always encouraged me and my sisters to be creative (there are 5 of us girls). If we weren’t drawing or mucking around in the creek, we were figuring out songs on the piano or jamming out on the guitar. No technology really gave us a lot of freedom which my dad was a huge advocate for.
“I used to draw a lot as a kid, I never really painted, I found painting really intimidating. Art was my favourite subject in school and probably the only subject I ever did well in, that and photography.
“I remember really enjoying drawing for others more than for myself, I found it rather exciting when I drew something for someone and saw how chuffed they were.
“I think I stopped drawing so frequently when I was about 12 or 13, around the age my mum passed from cancer. Thinking back, I must have associated it with her and so unconsciously built a bit of an art block.
“It wasn’t until I moved to Torquay about 4 years ago that I made a conscious decision to get back into my art again, I missed it, it was definitely my form of meditation/escape.
“I had been working as a full time Graphic Designer for about 9 years, so I had comfort in a steady job that I enjoyed, while I drew for fun on the side.
“I only picked up painting about November 2022 and decided to give it a red hot crack! The first thing I painted was inspired by my dad. A simple table setting with all of the items that best represented him- coffee, cigarettes, toast.
“I popped it on my Instagram and not long after, a friend asked if it was for sale. It was a strange feeling as I had only ever given art away and the thought of someone wanting to purchase it, was an odd, uncomfortable feeling. My best friend asked for a custom piece for her husband with all his favourite items and it all just happened super organically from there.
“Before long, I was inundated with requests for paintings for people’s loved ones and it only felt right to leave my graphic design job to pursue it full time and see what would happen.
“This idea of creating a special piece for someone’s loved one is such a cathartic experience and something I realised that I always enjoyed – creating custom presents for friends and family. Now I get to do it as a job and it brings me such joy! There is so much you can say through a painting of loved items, that tells more about a person than if it were of their face.
“I’ve clocked over 100 commissions in under a year and it’s been both insanity and a great thrill! I’ve loved every part of the journey and I still find it awkward to call myself an artist. I think most artists do. I’m definitely embracing it more now and just accepting that’s what I have to call myself haha.
“Since making the switch from design to art, I definitely feel like I’m in the right world of people. I always worked for fashion labels and felt like the biggest dag. Now I walk around my shared studio and people have paint on their clothes and in their hair and I feel so at home and like I’m finally in the right place.” @flip.crilleyart on Insta.
Photo by Emma Homes.
HuG 