My art is… at times illustrative and at others very painterly. Images are created based on impulse and the emotional state I’m in, and reflected on once completed. I rarely have answers for my art, they just are and I need to get them out of my mind/system. Some days I want to draw a portrait, some days I’ll paint a couple in a fight…I’m not locking myself into anything. But I have a style I seem to carry on, no matter what I do.
I use… Bloxx oil paint on Japanese Ash wood panels that I either box frame or put under glass. I like wood as its resistant to damage (me putting my foot through it), natural grain backgrounds and its natural warm texture. I’m a big fan of canvases -bigger the better. But I hate how careful you have to be around them. For my everyday roughs I use plain brown paper or large sheets of butchers paper, I love that stuff. For fine drawings I’ll use any 300gsm Watercolour paper.
When I work I… listen to music and usually zone out for the majority of the creative process. Usually I listen to soundtracks/soundscapes to movies eg. Solaris or a complete opposite like Sonic Youth/ Mogwai. Or I’ll have a movie playing in the background, it helps me switch on to the art process if there’s something else going on.
I live in Melbourne because… if you’re a creative person, Melbourne will take care of you. Surrounded by a huge variety of artist theres always something going on or someone to meet thats like-minded. The food is cheap and variety, coffee is golden, ride anywhere worth going or tram it, pub on every corner and the freedom to be whoever you want without prejudice.
Over the next year I… Recently moved into a new studio space in the iconic Melbourne Central Complex with around 10 other creative artists and I’ll be exhibiting throughout the year. At the same time I will also be working on finishing my first novel (Young Adults Fiction) and start illustrating the characters in watercolour and pencil. (like a Wind in the Willows book)
I think that… life is too confusing to not be creative.
Click here to visit Paul’s website
The Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award 2010 – Supported by Little Creatures Brewing is now open for entries.
