Carly Williams has always had a keen eye for art.“I was the kid that was always creating hand made cards and gifts for friends and family. When I hit my teenage years I developed into the kid who painted murals in local cafes and pubs in the small country town I grew up in.”

She wasn’t really obsessed with any artists growing up but would always look forward to the trek down the Hume Highway on school excursions to the NGV.

“I was always drawn to the early abstract work of artists like Pollack, Crowley and Picasso. Their expressive colour palettes and captivating expression used to blow my country, teenage mind!”

Carly eventually found work as a film set painter, and over ten years spent her days bringing to life the imagination of filmmakers. “Working on film sets often involved following very specific instructions and adhering to someone else’s predetermined vision, and overtime I found myself yearning for some creative freedom of my own.

Eventually, she decided to become a full time artist.“I was equally terrified and excited, as was my partner! But I jumped in head first, and so far, I’m loving the ride.”

Carly Williams’ painting style is an exploration of texture and line through abstract composition and shape. “In other words, I love big shapes, little lines and lots of texture! These are the three must haves for me, along with a contrasting colour palette. I also think the bold use of negative space is important to my work.”

The famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso once proclaimed, “There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.” Carly adds, “Abstract art allows the artist to experiment with new techniques, styles and materials and invites the viewers to find their own meaning and create their own narrative within the artwork.”

Carly’s work is wholly her own, the paintings have an authoritative voice attuned to a rhythmic use of colour that is both mysterious and energetic. “My signature style definitely wasn’t something that happened over night. It took me years of experimentation and growth as an artist to create a style that I feel is unique and recognisable as my own.”

I asked her about her favourite painting, “A piece I created not long after my dear ol' Dad passed away a few years ago. The funny thing is, as much as I know my Dad was proud of the artist I had become, he also used to love to joke and say ‘I could paint that Carly!’ He thought it was hilarious!”

For Carly, painting was a way of dealing with the grief of losing her father. She says, “My dad was known for his love of pinks and pastels so it felt only natural for me to include a selection of his favourites in this piece. Along with the rich mustard/green I love to include in my work. So when I look at this particular painting, with its pinks, reminiscent of his vast collection of golf jumpers - it makes me smile and remember his cheeky sense of humour.”

You can view Carly’s paintings and message her with any enquiries on her Instagram page - @carlywilliamsart