One of our favourite things about being part of Paper Rain is the collaboration with NZ artists. We are so proud to introduce you to the work of the talented Bryce Brown.

With a modernist influence mixed with New Zealand culture, Bryce Brown creates works with a truly unique flavour. Aesthetics is always high on the agenda and he paints to please the eye and draw the viewer in. He works from his studio set on an avocado orchard in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. He has exhibited both in New Zealand as well as the United States and his work is found in private and public collections across the world.

Long time friend of Paper Rain co-owner Terry, we had to get Bryce on board to paint a macrocarpa skateboard for us. Terry and Bryce met when they took a Graphic Design course together in Tauranga close to 20 years ago.

We sat down for a chat with Bryce and asked him some of the tough questions about life and art...

Tell us a little bit about yourself! When did you decide being an artist was for you?

I used to draw a lot as a kid, cartoons, that kind of thing. Loved lego, very creative in general. I reconnected with my creativity later in life through music, singing and playing harmonica in a band. I did quite a lot of travel in my late 20s and was blown away by the art I saw. Came home, painted a lot and started exhibiting in 1998. I also started graphic design in 2003 which taught me some great composition techniques etc which I still apply to my work now.

How would you describe your work? Where do you find your inspiration?

I've always been drawn to Post Impressionist art, so I guess I'm a contemporary post Impressionist? I draw inspiration from our own landscapes here in Aotearoa and the people who occupy them.

What was a defining moment for you as an artist? What's your favourite 'art' memory?

Having my large painting 'Brothers' added to the John Deere Art Collection and displayed amongst other significant works at their international headquarters in Illinois (featured below).

What do you like about working with Paper Rain?

Working on skate decks is a new direction for me prompted by a catch up with my friend Terry Ferguson (aka co-owner of Paper Rain). It's great to try new things in art and my connection with Terry and Paper Rain has opened new possibilities for my work. Pretty exciting!

What is one piece of advice you would have told yourself at 18?

Be confident, fortune favours the brave. Get out there and explore. Stay curious. Which is kind of what I ended up doing anyway...

What drives you? What are you passionate about and how does that come through in your art?

Open spaces, freedom, simplicity which all comes through in my art.

What would you like to see more or less of in the world?

People just need to chill, not worry about what you can't change. Enjoy life when you can. It's short!

Some great life advice there Bryce! We are so grateful to have him on board.

His new board 'Pukehina' is for sale now...

Painted in acrylic on a macrocarpa skate desk handcrafted by us. The piece is inspired by Bryce's long walks along his local beach at Pukehina (this also happened to be where we lived until recently so we can attest to its stunning beauty). Bryce even snapped a photo of the location for us...

If you are interested in finding out more about Bryce Brown and his art head to www.brycebrownart.com or www.instagram.com/brycebrownart.

If you are interested in purchasing Pukehina by Bryce Brown, head to this link.