Billie Justice Thomson
Bringing food memories, the everyday, and kitschy nostalgia to her paintings, Billie Justice Thomson welcomes in the fun of art and life while raising her son in Adelaide.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Sia Duff
Billie Justice Thomson's collection of work memorialises common household objects, food and drinks. Photo: Sia Duff
[Becoming a mum has made] me more determined to make it work financially and also making me more efficient with my time, less mucking around in the studio,’ says Billie Justice Thomson. Photo: Sia Duff
‘I moved back to Adelaide from Melbourne to start a family and I have not looked back; I grew up here and it's a city that is always growing and evolving.’ Photo: Sia Duff
Adelaide-based artist and mum of one (Marvin, 7), Billie Justice Thomson is inspired by the day-to-day pleasures of life. This love is evident through her paintings which feature everyday objects depicted in a graphic, kitschy style.
Billie works with paint and distinctive black lines on glass and Perspex, working 'in reverse' to build up layers of form and colour (see the artist in action here). First developing this process in her dad's garden shed!
The objects range from hot sauce and deep fried chicken to champagne towers and antique Chinese vases. The artworks are filled with memories of food and good times—the bright pop colours continuing the narrative. Evidently, as her magnets are the best sellers, perfect little additions to a quirky home right on the fridge.
Due to this subject matter, Billie's artworks also feed into the commercial world—the illustrative style lends itself well to brands who want to mirror the fun nostalgia such as the inflight bags Qantas and illustrations for the foodies at Gourmet Traveller.
Her work has been seen at solos at Modern Times, Melbourne (such as the BIG SHOW featuring oversized bottles of Lillet and Montenegro alongside baguettes and Derwent pencils), Fenton and Fenton online, and a recent exhibition at Newmarch Gallery in Adelaide.
This show saw the artist head to a new venture. 'I've taken a bit of a different approach and turned to look at the artefact objects and specimens in South Australian arts & science institutions,' says Billie. 'I really wanted to honour these places, the artefacts and specimens they hold, and the people who made them.'
Tonsley Pillar Project 01 by Billie Justice Thomson. Photo: Courtesy of Billie Justice Thompson
‘I have always drawn and painted but never really thought about pursuing it as a full-time career until the end of high school. Both my parents are creative in different ways.’ Photo: Courtesy of Billie Justice Thomson
“My work is very illustrative, and this has led me to do lots of commercial illustration as well. I love image making and it’s been a natural journey for me.”
‘I certainly encourage my son into creative activities, but if he wants to be a computer programmer, I will encourage him to do that with the same enthusiasm.’ Photo: Sia Duff
After moving to Melbourne post-uni, Billie returned home to Adelaide in 2016 to raise her family. 'I have not looked back, I grew up here and it's a city that is always growing and evolving,' she says.
Starting a family has pushed the artist and driven her to turn her art into a career. Critical to this is staying focused in the studio plus mixing up her routine. 'I used to work a lot in the afternoons and late into the night,' says Billie. 'Now I work from 9:30-4 usually 5-6 days a week.'
Her advice for creative parents is simple. 'It looks so different for everyone, but I have found that making boundaries around switching off has been useful,' says Billie. 'I try and give myself a full day during the week where I just dedicate myself to being a mum and not check my emails or look at Instagram.'
An essential message for all creatives!