Making art…

Film and theatre sets are where it all started over 20 years ago. No, wait… it started before then; as a seven-year-old drawing blue turtles on the lounge room wall. Drawing, painting, writing, literally ANYTHING that provided an opportunity to CREATE was natural, fun, and vital.

However, throughout a (very) varied career, it took me some time to return to this simple philosophy.

Travel, work experience and generally having a good time were quite a distraction until one day I painted a large mural in a friend's backyard. That humble beginning saw a whole new direction that led to a 10-year career in film & theatre as a Scenic Artist. It was a wonderful experience and throughout those years, I dreamt of producing my own work (although, no clue as to what that looked like). I worked on productions in both film and theater, including Matrix II & III.  Super fun! I was in awe of the creatives around me producing something from nothing and witnessing the making of a movie. Being a painter on film sets was the best job ever as the other artists were gracious in teaching and passing on their knowledge. I learned many techniques and applications, including Trompe l’oeil and faux finishes.

I filled the time between movies with other mural jobs, retail, private and theme park projects. Commission painting started back then also - but it was purely what the client desired in style and subject. Painting to order basically. Good practice, but not authentically from me. 

Family, business and busyness naturally followed and filled my days. Until 4 years ago, during a period of intentional soul searching I had an overnight inclination to carve out a corner of our home, plant an easel, and get started again.

This time around, ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM finally transpired and I delighted in the knowledge that painting fueled me once again.

The child within knew all along.