How long have you been practicing as an artist?
I studied fine art in Perth, Scotland and Albany, but while art school can expand the mind and allow for enquiry, the real teaching comes from within the artist themselves in daily practice. I’m sure I have taught myself much more by experimentation and just by showing up in the studio, than any art school has taught me.
What is your subject matter?
It’s so bountiful it’s hard to know which way to go sometimes. The natural world gives me the most joy to paint in all its organic forms, from forests and deserts to rugged landforms. Equally the shape of crowds of people inspire my beach paintings. It is often, if not always, the light on any given subject that draws me in.
Take us inside your studio.
I have a home studio in Albany, Western Australia. It’s a converted old double garage which is a bit grimy, but given the mess I create when I’m working, that doesn’t bother me too much. Unfortunately, I share the space with several big black skinks in the warmer months. I could really do without them. I try to commit to some sort of routine: my day always starts with a coffee and a walk or swim, then I head to the studio mid morning to spend the rest of the day painting until 4 or 5pm. On Wednesdays my daughter who is also an artist joins me and we create together, and share a bottle of bubbly wine in the afternoon. That’s our little mid week ritual.
What have you been working on recently?
I’ve been stuck in New Zealand for six months longer than intended. I came in May 2021 to be the artist in residence with the Waiheke Community Gallery which was fabulous, then Covid-19 hit and my three months turned into nine! During my time on Waiheke, I worked towards an exhibition which I called Falling Light, and as the name suggests, most of the works explored the way light falls on a landscape. My next solo exhibition is at Gallows Gallery in Perth at the end of March 2022. I have been working on some pieces for it while I’ve been across the ditch, and I will continue the theme of light for that show. I do have a very busy year ahead with three solo shows around Western Australia.
If you could add one artwork to your collection what would it be and why?
Fred Williams’ Lysterfield Landscape, 1968. The light in this painting is mesmerising.
What is your dream artistic project?
Actually I think I have just lived through my dream artistic project, being the artist in residence on Waiheke Island Aotearoa/New Zealand. Waiheke is an island paradise, so just being there and supported by a whole bunch of beautiful locals while all I had to do was paint, was a fairly dreamy gig. Going away for a period of time to a place other than home always seems to jolt creativity, so I’m always on the look out for opportunities.