How would you describe your art?
As Abstract Figuration or Figurative Abstraction. I don’t like to waste paint, so anything excess on my palette is quickly applied to a blank board. In this way, the boards become a sea of colour and lines, underpainting and overpainting. And over time, the final paintings emerge.
Does your studio reflect any personal traits?
Over the years I have collected literally thousands of postcards, and while most of them sit in boxes, there is always a wall that displays a salon-style hang of the ones that resonate with me for a period of time.
Did you study fine arts, or are you self-taught?
I am formally trained and loved my years at art school. I am now a full-time artist, but having had exposure to other vocations does make me feel self-taught.
What does a typical day in the studio involve?
My studio is near Suffolk Park Beach in beautiful Byron Bay (Bundjalung land), and I try to start and finish my days with an ocean swim. In the studio, the first thing I do is set the musical theme. I generally work quickly, and on a very productive day, I can have up to 50 brushes to clean. During this cleaning process, I really enjoy the time to reflect upon my day’s work.
What draws you to your subject matter?
I am a visual learner and always translate words into images. When I hear a song or story, I picture what it would look like. Sometimes I paint to particular songs on repeat, all day long. I can only imagine the frustration this must cause my partner and neighbours.
What’s it like working with the materials you use?
I build my paintings up using numerous layers, continually over-painting to create texture and a nuance of base colours and tones. I don’t mix colours anymore, instead using paint straight out of the tub.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
I am currently working on a painting for the Archibald Prize 2024. I am entering a large portrait of Chris Sarra, an Australian educationalist and the founder and chairman of the Stronger Smarter Institute. I began my portrait of Chris after a weekend camping on his Country, Taribelang Bunda and Gooreng Gooreng.
Three art-world players you would invite to dinner?
Interesting question. I never met my great aunt, Margit Pogany, who was a painter and the famous muse of Constantin Brancusi, so I’d like to invite her. Jackson Pollock would be my second guest and Michelangelo my third, for his incredible stories.
What is your dream artistic project?
I have always been fascinated with the Austrian artist Hundertwasser, especially his transformation of rather bleak buildings and public areas. I would dearly love to co-create a similar vision, working with communities and other artists to create beauty from the mundane.
Above: Artist Damian Bisogni. Photo: Vanessa Reed. Courtesy: the artist.
