+1 ::: Why are you an artist?
I have always drawn, Ive always felt 100% me with a pencil or paintbrush in my hand. Art is the only thing I have ever felt completely confident with. I could not imagine my life without art.
+2 ::: Tell me about your art.
My art is what I do and how I live. I paint the things around me, the things I know and feel comfortable with. My art is an acknowledgement of life, a confession of my feelings, and a celebration of the painting process.
+3 ::: Why did you choose to paint Turkey?
My relationship with Turkey began with a relationship with a girl from Istanbul that I had met on the Internet. Through her I experienced a country of great beauty, overflowing with culture and history. I started painting the Turkish series* of paintings after my third visit, when I felt that I had experienced enough of the country to honestly paint it.
+4 ::: What artists have influenced you and why?
My first leap into art was through the Australian artist Brett Whiteley*. Through his art I discovered that painting was more than just landscapes and portraits, it could be whatever you wanted, painting could be a way of life. Vincent van Gogh* was also a major influence as I admired his passion, intensity, and his emotional honesty. I admire many artists from many different movements and periods in art. I think it's important to keep an open mind.
+5 ::: What do you do for fun (besides art)?
I love reading and learning new things. My mind becomes restless if I'm not growing. I read books on art, religion, spirituality, business, investing, psychology, and culture. Other interests include the Internet, the occasional glass of wine, and music.
+6 ::: What inspires you to paint?
Life inspires me to paint. Painting inspires me to paint. I have formed a habit of walking into my studio on a regular basis and I become inspired while painting.
+7 ::: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
Like many artists I have struggled with the notion of art as a business. It doesnt come naturally to me but it is a very important part of being an artist. I dont intend to be a factory but I do plan to become wiser in the areas of business.
+8 ::: Where do you see youself in 10 years?
My mind is very open to change, so I could be anywhere. I do know that I will be painting, enjoying life, and always learning.
+9 ::: Tell me more about your latest series of paintings and where you are going with them.
I wanted to paint some of the places around Newcastle* that I have always loved looking at; The beach, the city, the parks, and the people. The softness of the beach beside the hardness of the city is also fascinating to me. I am currently working with the portrait more. In the emotion of the face rather than the physical likeness of the person. With tryptichs* it allows you to discover and express things in the same face three different ways. There is always more to be found by exploring the same subject again and again.
+10 ::: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Learn the rules before you break them.