DESIGNER / Cara Coombe
%20jpg.jpg)
designer:
Cara Coombe
location:
Meanjin. Brisbane, QLD
​
attributes:
Introspective, Reflecting
​
Batchelor and Honours Degree in Photography from the Queensland College of Art
When inspiration strikes, it is for me psychologically similar to an itch and no matter what else is going on in my life, I have to scratch that
itch....!!!!
​
​
q & a
background / edu
Cara Coombe is a fine art photographer, originally born and raised in Bristol, England, however currently resides in Brisbane, Australia. I obtained a Bachelors and Honours degree in photography from the Queensland College of Art. My practice sits within a biographical framework, exploring the concepts of gender, sexuality, mental health, and personal, family and socio-cultural identities.
inspiration
My practice is inspired by my own personal experiences and the human condition. The concepts I explore are personal yet universal such as mental illness, body dysmorphia, family dynamics etc. I am also hugely inspired by the female experience and perspective in everything I do, and my artistic practice is no exception. Therefore, I draw a lot of inspiration from female artists such as Francesca Woodman, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama and Deana Lawson, to name a few. I feel strongly that the female experience is still secondary to that of the male artist and it is something I will always continue to challenge.
creative process
My artistic practice could be described as rather manic. As a manifestation of my OCD, it is important to me to be in control of as many aspects of my life as possible however, much of that goes out the window with my practice. When inspiration strikes, it is for me psychologically similar to an itch and no matter what else is going on in my life, I have to scratch that itch. As an individual who derives inspiration from all aspects of life and artforms, once I have an idea, I want to flesh it out and I can’t stop until I’ve done so. This ‘method’ or lack thereof can often be frustrating however it is also where my most poignant ideas stem from.
concept
I would describe my practice conceptually as initially introspective. I spend a lot of time reflecting and immersing myself within and amongst my concepts. It is of the upmost importance to me to explore concepts I am passionate about and once I begin to establish what makes something so personal to me and my lived experience, then I thrive from sharing my ideas with those of similar lived experiences.
