At PLANTZ, we celebrate creativity, culture, and the power of instinct — and Gavin Brown embodies all three. His art fuses Rasta roots, modern pop expression, and raw emotion, creating pieces that are as vibrant as they are thought-provoking. We sat down with Gavin to explore his journey, his process, and how his work connects to community, culture, and the energy that drives it all.
1. What was the single moment you realised creating art wasn’t just a hobby, but your life’s direction?
Art kind of crept up and found me, I’d say. I’ve only been creating for about 18 months – it still feels fresh and new. It all started during a hard time in my life, after my father passed away. Life changed overnight. Art became the one thing that stopped the traffic of life. I’m happy to share more about that… to be continued.
2. Your work often features fragments, layers, and unexpected textures – how do you choose which elements make the cut and why?
Instinct. Some of my very first pieces were made from posters ripped off billboards and phone boxes. The first one was of Bob Marley’s son Damian – from the Jamrock concert.
I wanted to create something that celebrated my culture – Rasta. The red, gold, and green always feature in my art in some way. I don’t plan too much; I go by feeling and instinct. It’s not about a vision of completeness – it’s about the journey, like life itself.
3. When you sit down to begin a new piece, what state of mind or environment do you find most conductive to your creative flow?
It depends, there’s been sadness, pain, and pure joy at times. Much of my work was born in chaos, controlled chaos and I think that was needed to inspire what it has. I plan more now, though even that feels organic. Balance is the key, just like life. Over time, I’ve definitely developed my own kind of style. Music and smoke are part of my process – they connect the dots in the moment, help me create a vibe, and guide me with clarity toward what feels right.
4. Your art seems to balance tension – between chaos and calm, structure and surrender. How do you personally navigate that balance?
I love that my art speaks and tells a story. It’s never meant to be easy to read or understand – that’s the fun part. Words have power, and I use them carefully, but I like people to work for the meaning.That tension you mention – I think it reflects me. Over the last 18 months, I’ve learned a lot about myself. This new chapter feels exciting. Gavin’s had many lives!
5. Can you describe a recent piece or series that challenged you creatively, and what you learned through the process?
Every piece feels challenging in its own way, because it’s all new. But it’s exciting, there’s no expectation, so I can’t really fail. Learning how to use epoxy resin was tricky, still not sure I’ve cracked it! But there’s always room for improvement.
I feel blessed by the community – it’s been a huge inspiration. The good people, the brands, and the shared ethos all align with mine.My slogan “We are all in this together” was born from that community. And “Level’s to everything” was inspired by watching people and brands striving for greatness, not wealth.
I’ve created art for brands not for money, but for the feeling,for the opportunity to grow and learn. Giving something unexpected to someone good, that’s priceless.
A Bob Marley quote that often appears in my work sums it up: “Possession makes you rich?”
6. For someone encountering your work for the first time, what do you hope they feel or think?
I hope they feel the power in it, the messages, the balance of chaos and calm, structure and freedom. I want them to sense the passion behind each piece. Some of these works were created at the lowest points of my life.
7. We at PLANTZ focus on the intersection of nature, science, plants, and culture. Do you see your work connecting with those themes?
How could it not? Without those elements, my art wouldn’t exist.
My work is culture,modern-day pop art underpinned by Rasta teachings and beliefs. I’m rebranding Rasta culture and keeping it current so the message lives on forever.
Nature and plants are essential to a Rasta’s way of life. And as for science, well, some of the tools I use feel pretty futuristic!
8. When you’re not in the studio, what habits keep you balanced or inspired?
The gym,definitely. Healthy body, healthy mind. Better eating, better focus. Don’t dwell on things; they can always be worse.Find reasons to be happy. Count your blessings more than your problems,because problems will always be there, but blessings may not.
9. If you were to curate a dream exhibition — time, place, collaborators — what would the concept be and why?
Something like a camping community event,Brumsterdam or Sky Highs,but with art!
That’s where my art belongs right now; that’s where I feel at home. I’m taking my time and not rushing things,life’s about timing. As for collabs, it’s simple: if I’ve made or gifted you art, I respect your brand. I only work with people I like and whose energy matches mine. If you talk to the community – show me what you’ve done for it.
10. In five years’ time, what achievement or evolution in your work would feel most meaningful?
If my work spreads the messages it’s meant to, that’s enough.
I don’t think in terms of milestones – I just know my art will evolve. I like challenges, so both very big and very small projects are on the horizon for Gavin Brown Arts.
My main goals are simple: stay happy, keep pushing for greatness, and stay righteous at all times. The rest is God’s plan. I’d love to travel with my art, run workshops for young people, and bring modern Rasta art to the world.
Thank you for the thought-provoking questions – and for the platform to share my story.
Gav
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