Creative Spotlight | Brode Compton (Blackbook Inc)
Published on 19 March 2024
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
I find my creative inspiration primarily from the natural world around us. Nature has this incredible ability to evoke a sense of wonder and creativity in me. I often seek inspiration by immersing myself in nature, whether it's going on bush walks, or simply spending time outdoors. During these trips, I take the opportunity to observe my surroundings closely, paying attention to the intricate details of plants, the play of light and shadow, and the behaviour of animals.
One of my favourite ways to capture inspiration is by taking photographs of the scenery and wildlife I encounter. Photography allows me to freeze moments in time and preserve the beauty of nature that inspires me. Whether it's the vibrant colours of a sunset, the delicate patterns of a leaf, or the graceful movements of a bird in flight, each moment captured through my lens serves as a source of creative fuel.
In addition to nature, I also find inspiration in art, music, and the work of other creative individuals. Exploring different forms of artistic expression and learning from the experiences and perspectives of fellow creatives enriches my own creative journey and inspires me to push the boundaries of my own creativity.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
My creative journey has been deeply influenced by my personal history and cultural background, particularly my immersion in the graffiti culture from 1999 onwards. Graffiti art served as my initial foray into the world of visual expression, where I honed my skills and developed a keen eye for colour, composition, and technique. This formative period laid the foundation for my later artistic pursuits and instilled in me a passion for creative exploration.
In 2011, I took a significant step in my artistic career by founding Blackbook Ink and transitioning into working as a full-time mural artist. This shift allowed me to channel my graffiti roots into large-scale murals, where I could further explore themes of self-expression, identity, and community engagement. Drawing from my experiences within the graffiti culture, I bring a unique perspective to my mural work, blending elements of street art with more traditional artistic techniques.
What is a creative project that you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? Why?
One of the standout projects in my career that I'm particularly proud of was my participation in the Paint The Walls Festival in Dalton, NSW, hosted by Southern Tablelands Art. This festival provided a platform for artists to create murals that addressed the impact of the 2019 bushfires and drought on regional communities.
During the festival, I had the privilege of creating two murals that aimed to capture the resilience, strength, and unity of the Dalton community in the face of adversity. These murals served as a visual reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of coming together to support one another during times of crisis.
What made this project truly special was the opportunity to connect with the Dalton community on a deeply personal level. As I worked on the murals, I had the chance to hear the stories of local residents, learn about their experiences, and gain insight into their resilience and determination. Being welcomed into their community with open arms was incredibly humbling and heartwarming.
The Paint The Walls Festival allowed me to push my creative boundaries and explore themes of community, resilience, and hope through my art. It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful initiative and to contribute to the collective effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing regional communities.
Looking back on this experience, I feel a profound sense of pride knowing that my artwork played a small role in bringing people together, sparking conversations, and fostering a sense of solidarity among community members. It's a project that I will always hold close to my heart, and the memories and connections made during that time will stay with me forever.
What creative project are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I'm immersed in a public mural project for Ingleburn. Our focus is on engaging with the community to gather feedback and insights that will shape the mural's design. By understanding the community's values, preferences, and aesthetic tastes, we aim to create a mural that not only resonates with residents but also becomes a cherished part of the local landscape for years to come. This collaborative approach ensures that the artwork reflects the diverse perspectives and aspirations of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. We're excited to embark on this creative journey and look forward to bringing the community's vision to life through art.
What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist / creative?
The most challenging part of being an artist is the expectation that we work for free or rather cheap.
The reality is I haven’t been to any art school and am 100% self-taught from trial and error over many years of practise.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you to be more creative?
I find listening to music or podcasts whilst working keeps me more focused and less distracted. What I listen to also depends on the mood I’m in, as I listen to hip hop through to drum and bass.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
For emerging artists and creatives starting out, take time to learn your craft and learn to take criticism without getting offended.
If you are blinded and think everything you do is great, you will potentially not progress and have a short-lived career before moving onto something else.
Also work towards your own style, not mimic other artists work.
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
Website: www.blackbookink.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/blackbookinkmurals
Facebook: facebook.com/Blackbookinkmurals