How would you describe what you do to someone who hasn’t seen your art?
I always find it difficult to describe my work as I dislike being pigeon-holed into one particular style. I’d have to say mixed media abstracts that respect styles of the past and try to translate aspects of them within our times.
Where is your studio?
I’m based in a beachside suburb of Melbourne, which allows me time by the water. My studio is at home, which means I can work whenever I want. I have great light and a vast collection of vintage stereo equipment which provide great inspiration.
Did you study fine arts or are you self-taught?
Both. I already had a style and interest in what I was creating before I completed a Bachelor Degree in Art. My time at university allowed me to broaden my experiences in various mediums, most of which I still use today. I’ve always considered myself an artist but have been side tracked with various other creative projects until around 10 years ago when I started taking my practice much more seriously.
What does a typical day in the studio involve?
A cup of coffee, music and continuing working on whatever piece I have already going. It’s after the second cup when things really get going!
What is your subject matter?
My work is inspired from a combination of life experiences both past and present. An interaction with the conscious, subconscious and the underlying elements of spiritual beliefs. This manifests itself in the use of signs, symbols, patterns, found objects and my own photography from various places and surroundings. Inspiration comes from everywhere, art books, music, other artists or even online. It usually doesn’t take much to trigger something.
What materials do you use and why?
The use of recycled materials, pencils, paints, inks, stencils, patterns, various textures and methods like de-construction of form, opens up an abstract universe, that encourages the viewer to go on a reflective journey of their own in the visual as well as the spiritual. Most of my work is paper-based, even my paintings, which I prefer working with. I also think it allows me more time with each piece, making it feel more intimate and personal.
What have you been working on recently?
I have introduced the digital manipulation of my photographs, which I then get printed in large format, then adhered onto board. This then acts as an influence for the work and the basis of the work, which usually progresses so much further. I think of it as a digital modern day Rauschenberg influence.