Shows
The Creative KindTalking about style with Madeleine Simson, Johnny K, Emily Raubenheimer and Willy RussoIn this final episode of Season 1, I'm talking with Madeleine Simson, Johnny K, Emily Raubenheimer and Willy Russo about style.I loved hearing the similarities, differences and threads that carried across all these interviews and in a way, these short segments at the end of this season capture what I wanted to do with this show as a whole, the show a diversity of opinion, because sometimes the lessons that you learn in your first 10 months creating art are as important and game changing as those that you learn 10 years in.Thank you...2024-07-141h 00
Willy (Wilamina) RussoLIFE | 2024 Summer Edition | Fun? Are you having any?What do you do for fun and when was the last time you had it?
What if I told you fun would make you a better parent, partner, friend and even better at your job!
Dr Mike Rucker is an Organisational psychologist and author of the book - The Fun Habit joins me to talk about the importance of fun in our lives.
We talk about so much in this episode including:
what fun is
how Mike went from focusing on happiness to fun,
one of the best stories you’ll ever hear a...2024-01-1236 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoLIFE | 2024 Summer Edition | Couldn't Wouldn't Didn'tLIFE | My name is Willy Russo and chances are, you’re tuned in here for art content. As much as I love art and talking with creatives, over the summer I’ve worked on a couple of side episodes that I thought I would bring to you as a little holiday listening.
These are not specifically art related. They are life related.
I am going to start to label the podcast with ART or LIFE straight up so you know if it’s an episode you want to tune in to.
This first one is a...2024-01-0524 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 114 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Sophie Vander of Curatorial + CoMid year holiday episode!
Sophie Vander is the Director and Founder of Curatorial + Co.
Curatorial + Co have built a solid reputation placing contemporary artwork within residential and commercial architecture and the public domain. They also have a thriving Art Consultancy business, working with a strong network of interior designers and architects.
Willy and Sophie talk about:
her enduring love for art and the realisation she was never going to be an artist
artist websites and what you need to have on them
the most recent artist to join the gallery
the role...2023-08-2535 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs With Artist Susie ChoiArtist Susie Choi connected with her artistic love in a round about way. There was a kids party. There were decorations. And then before she knew it, she was enrolling at National Art School and ripping up the carpet in the nursery to turn it into a studio. Susie joins Willy Russo for the final episode of season one of Two Red Chairs.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou. 2023-08-0717 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs With Artist Sophie VictoriaSophie Victoria is the Breaking Bad of the art world. Backyard chemistry with her uncle has led to a love affair with her art practice with stunning results. Sophie joins Willy Russo for Two Red Chairs talking about her relationship to her practice and how to keep the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.2023-08-0214 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Artist Kim LeutwylerKim Leutwyler wants to take their art to Mexico for a cute date on the beach and we want to go with them! Kim and Willy chat about the benefits of having a day job, the experience of going full time into art, and how Kim deals with their tendency to go all-in and forget about the outside world. And as with each guest, Kim give's their top tip for keeping the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy (Wilamina) Russo with filming and...2023-07-2616 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Artist Ash HolmesThe power of journalling. An art store clairvoyant, of sorts. Ash Holmes, artist and Founder of HAKE House, joins Willy in the chairs talking about her relationship to her art and how she keeps the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina (Willy) Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.
2023-07-1612 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Artist Jamie PreiszIs this a toxic relationship? Ethical non-monogamy. Four pieces of advice that hold the pillars of a house up that keep a practice going - Jamie Preisz joins Willy Russo on Two Red Chairs to talk all things keeping the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.2023-07-0615 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Artist Sarah McDonaldPut on a good tune and shimmy your way back into the good books. That's just one piece of advice Sarah McDonald shares this week on her long lasting relationship with her art practice and how to keep the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.2023-06-3015 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs With Michael SimmsThe piano might be his side love, but painting and drawing will always hold top spot. Michael Simms joins Willy Russo to talk through the love he has for his practice and how he keep the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina (Willy) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.2023-06-2212 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs With Dee SmartDee Smart and creativity have an eternal love affair. It may have morphed over the years but it continues to burn bright. Dee walks Willy Russo through the relationship evolution and gives her top tip for keeping the passion alive in the studio.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina (Willy) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatznikolaou.2023-06-2025 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Midori GotoMidori Goto's sculptures would be right at home in one of Heston Blumenthal's gastronomical ventures. The bizarre, the experimental, the dream like. Midori joins Willy Russo for this week's artist chat on keeping the passion alive in the studio for Two Red Chairs.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.2023-06-0809 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with PhiljamesSydney based painter Philjames is all in. He's totally committed to his practice. But it seems his practice is playing hard to get. Tune in to find out how Phil keeps the passion alive in the studio when the love affair is at times one sided.
Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou2023-06-0111 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 112 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Kathryn Stafford from Gallows GallerySeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Second generation art dealer and gallerist Kathryn Stafford knows what it takes to run a gallery. With over 30 years in the industry, Kathryn is now the Director of Gallows Gallery in Perth, on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.
In today's episode we talk about:
The early days of her career and her involvement with the Cossack art awards
Her take on the current Western Australian art market
The biggest challenge facing a...2023-05-2525 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Mason KimberMason Kimber creates textural 3D works that dance across the boundary of wall hung paintings and sculpture. For keeping the passion alive in the studio Mason has two great suggestions.
Two Red Chairs is the creation of artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina (Willy) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou. 2023-05-2510 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoIntroducing Two Red ChairsWhen an artist commits to their practice, it's like they're committing to a long term relationship. And just like any long term relationship, keeping the passion alive can be a challenge.
Join Australian arts broadcaster and mentor Willy Russo as she chats with artists about their relationship with their practice and how the keep the passion alive.
2023-05-1900 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTwo Red Chairs with Photographer Bo WongTwo Red Chairs is the new artist interview series from Willy Russo.
When an artist commits to their practice, it's like they're committing to a long term relationship. And just like any relationship, they go through phases like dating, committing fully, the honeymoon phase and the day in day out of everyday.
Join Willy as she talks to artists about their relationship to their practice and how they keep the passion alive in the studio.
Western Australian based Photographer Bo Wong joins Willy for episode 1. 2023-05-1819 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 111 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Alexie Glass-Kantor from ArtspaceSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Don't give up.
Make art because you want to.
If you believe in something, keep pursuing it.
These are just a few of the takeaways from the powerhouse that is Alexie Glass-Kantor. Among many things, Alexie is the Executive Director of Artspace in Sydney. Her accolades include spending time as Director–Senior Curator for Gertrude Contemporary, working in curatorial at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Not to mention, curating the bone shattering performance of Marco Fusinato for...2023-05-1246 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 110 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Luke Potkin from The Other Art FairSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Luke Potkin’s high school art teacher, Mr Howles, had little faith Luke would end up in the art world. How wrong he was. As Fair Director of The Other Art Fair Sydney, Luke is in a dream role. Marrying his love of art and his expertise in events.
The Other Art Fair can be a rite of passage for emerging artists. And with it coming up in Sydney on the 11th to the 14th of May, I thought it might be good to hear from Luke.
In t...2023-05-0534 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 109 IWWA The Gallery Edition | Andy Dinan from Mars GallerySeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Andy Dinan founded MARS Gallery in Melbourne 18 years ago. Andy pushes hard to give her artists international opportunities, such as Photo London this year, and in 2022 Photo Basel in Switzerland.
In today’s episode we talk about:
how Andy pushes public art opportunities for her artists and why they are so important
what the situation is like with studio space in Melbourne
how her initial naivety running a gallery has become her strength
the qualities of a Mars Artist
________
...2023-04-2830 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 108 IWWA The Gallery Edition | Leesa Hickey and Laura Brinin of Side GallerySeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Side Gallery is small but mighty.
Based in Brisbane on the land Yuggera and Turrubul people, Leesa Hickey and Laura Brinin are taking their gallery in the suburbs from strength to strength.
Leesa started with Designfront, a branding visual communication consultancy specialising in branding, literature and design for the web. In 2015 Side Gallery came to life, running alongside Designfront. Today the sister companies form a one stop shop providing their artists with a range of support other galleries have to...2023-04-2138 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 107 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Megan Dicks and Hannah Abbott from OtomysSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Two women started a conversation about art 7 years ago, and they’ve been talking ever since.
Megan Dicks and Hannah Abbott of Otomys on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation have a deep, deep love for their work.
The conversation began as part of Hannah’s final assessment for her university study. Megan saw the potential in Hannah and very quickly brought her into the Otomys fold.
In tod...2023-04-1433 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 106 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Sarah Birtles Art + AdviceSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Sarah Birtles is the founder of Sarah Birtles Art + Advice
After a winding career through various arts positions, three years ago Sarah founded her business. I liken Sarah Birtles Art and Advice to a gallery without a set location. But not an online gallery. The level of involvement she goes into with both her artists and collectors is far beyond a straightforward online gallery.
As you will hear, Sarah works very closely with her artists to ensure t...2023-04-0732 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 105 IWAA The Gallery Edition | Rachael Parsons Director of NERAMSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Rachel Parsons is the Director of NERAM - that’s the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale, on the land of the the ANAIWAN people.
Rachel began her time at NERAM as a curator in 2016. When Rachael interviewed for the job over Zoom, she was based in Brisbane and had never been to regional NSW. She had to google where it was. And what initially was a plan to spend 2 - 3 years, is coming up to six years.
In toda...2023-03-3130 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 104 - IWAA The Gallery Edition | Valeria Scoponi from The Junction Co's Courthouse Gallery + StudioSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors and Managers from around Australia.
We’re heading west again. Far north west, Western Australia. To Port Headland on Kariyarra Country and the land of the Karriyarra, Ngarla and Nymal people.
The Junction Co’s Courthouse Gallery + Studio is a small but mighty group running a gallery and creative hub in one of Australia’s most isolated towns.
I spoke with Val Scoponi in January 2023 about life in the mining hub and the role she was working in as the Gallery and Stu...2023-03-2322 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 103 - IWAA The Gallery Edition | William Mansfield from Arthouse GallerySeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
William Mansfield, the Gallery Manager of Arthouse Gallery on the land originally known as Kogerah by the Gadigal people or Rushcutters Bay, joins us this week.
Will first joined the gallery in a part time capacity after graduating with first class honours from COFA. Over the last 13 years working in the gallery, Will’s focus gradually shifted away from his own art practice to being focused full time in the gallery.
In today’s episode we talk about:
the import...2023-03-1624 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 102 - IWAA The Gallery Edition | Sandy Tippett from The Studio Gallery and BistroSeason Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Sandy Tippett from The Studio Gallery and Bistro in Yallingup on the land of the Wardandi people in Western Australia, has been at the gallery for eight years.
Sandy is the classic, graphic designer working in advertising who then moved into painting for her own practice and now is running a gallery.
In today’s episode we talk about:
how her thoughts around instagram have changed
the point when she knows it’s not going to work with an artis...2023-03-0833 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS5 Ep 101 - IWAA The Gallery Edition | Ralph Hobbs of Nanda HobbsSeason 5 of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.
Ralph Hobbs is one of the founders behind Nanda Hobbs Gallery in Sydney.
The first part of Ralph's career was spent teaching high school students about art and developing his own practice. Eventually his desire to talk to adults about art pushed him into the gallery realm.
Fast forward to today, and Ralph has been in the gallery scene for close to 18 years.
Nanda Hobbs was one of the first galleries to embrace the online space. Long before COVID, t...2023-03-0145 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP99 Jasmine Mansbridge and Willy Russo get a little deep for the last show of 2022@jasmine_mansbridge
www.jasminemansbridge.com
For the final episode of 2022 Jasmine Mansbridge joins us.
Jasmine first joined the show back in 2020. Her murals, paintings and sculptures caught Willy's eye. Jasmine paints geometrical works that seem like portals or windows to another world. There is some incredible line work in her paintings - straight lines - and Jasmine doesn't use painters tape!
Fast forward to the end of 2022 and Jasmine has included NFT's, film work, and poetry to her creative disciplines.
To say 2022 has been a big year for Jasmine a...2022-12-2946 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep98 Emily Day and Kate Quinn on Instagram friendships, the truth about running workshops and the power of just giving it a go@e_milydaystudio @katequinnart @bloom_art_experiences
Have you ever considered running creative workshops? Today's guest are the artists behind Bloom Art Experiences.
Brisbane based Emily Day and Kate Quinn started Bloom in early 2021.
Far from the paint by numbers, or paint and sip type experience, every workshop is in a beautiful location, where each participant paints something unique. They make running a workshop sound fun and easy. Fun I am sure it is, easy I am sure it isn't.
In today's episode of Interview With An Artist we talk about many t...2022-12-2241 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP 97 Rone on TIME and how street art has taken him places he never imagined@r_o_n_e
www.rone.art
Rone is arguably Australia's preeminent street artist. The softly spoken, humble creative grew up in Geelong Victoria. It was in his early 20s riding his skateboard around Melbourne that he really connected with street art. It was a discovery which steered his life in a completely different direction.
Murals and installation work has taken him around the world, with his smaller scale pieces being shown in galleries in London, Berlin and New York. Domestically, he is one of the few street artists to permeate the barrier o...2022-12-1536 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP96 Pierre Mukeba is navigating life with his art and taking the world by storm in the process@arch_pierre_mukeba
The light and life in Pierre Mukeba is undeniable. The self taught artist won the Churchie art prize in 2017, the RamsayArt Prize People's Choice in 2019, and has exhibited in the Adelaide Biennial and the NGV Triennial and has had two solo shows with Roslyn Oxley.
Pierre's story is one of navigating culture and finding what you want to say as an artist; of self belief and persistence; and of shooting for the stars.
In today's episode of Interview With An Artist we talk about many things including:
how his...2022-11-241h 04
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP95 Julz Beresford has always had a deep love for nature@julzberesford_artist
www.julzberesford.com
After a 20 year career as a food stylist, Julz Beresford has had a roaring start to her life as an artist. In the first four years of painting full time, she was hand picked up by Amber Creswell Bell to join the showing roster with Michael Reid. And although it might seem like it's all happened overnight, it hasn't.
Julz studied fine art at COFA straight out of high school. And even though she worked in a different field for two decades, she was always painting in the background.
In today's episode of Interview With A...2022-11-1037 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4, EP94 Julie Nicholson has found her groove in abstract landscapes@julienicholsonartist
www.julienicholsonartist.com
Julie Nicholson needs little introduction. The Batman to Fiona Verity's Robin, the Art W**k duo have forged a pathway in the Australian art world with their much loved podcast.
But we're not here to talk about that. We're here to talk about Julie's art. Julie has been creating ever since she can remember. Loving the process of bringing something to life out of just her mind, hands and whatever she had around her.
Working now with pencils and paints, Julie has found her groove in abstract...2022-10-2742 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep93 Caroline Zilinsky is a deep thinker@carolinezilinsky
www.zilinsky.com
Interview With An Artist is the show where Willy Russo speaks with a range of art world players.
Caroline Zilinsky is a Sydney based artist working in the portraiture and figurative genre. She is represented by Nanda Hobbs and this year was a finalist in the Archibald Prize with her portrait of Australian celebrities and 2021 Block winners, Mitch and Mark. This prize listing adds to her extensive list of achievements which includes winning the Portia Geach and the Evelyn Chapman awards.
In today's episode of Interview With...2022-10-1337 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP92 Gemma Rasdall answers all your international artist residency questions@gemmarasdall @chateau_orquevaux
www.chateauorquevaux.com
International residencies are something I get asked a lot about.
And previous guest and friend of the pod Sydney artist Gemma Rasdall has just returned from one in France.
So you know what, I thought I would ask her all the questions you ask me.
From how do you apply, to what art supplies do you take, to do you get your own room, to what were the people like and everything in between.
Gemma was in Chateau Orquevaux in August...2022-09-2216 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP 91 SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY 2022 - Live walk through with Michael Reid OAM, Tim Klingender and Kalli RolfeSydney Contemporary is back and in full swing for 2022!
This bonus episode is a live recording and very much thanks to the generous offer of Michael Reid OAM to walk me, Willy Russo, around the fair. He then connected me with Tim Klingender, who connected me with Kalli Rolfe. You have to listen to find out why and how that all happened!
Special guests we bump into along the way:
Barry Keldoulis - Sydney Contemporary Director
Chris Hodges - Utopia Art Sydney
Bill Nutall - Niagara Galleries Melbourne
2022-09-0950 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep90 Georgia Draws A House knows how much we love home@georgiadrawsahouse
www.georgiadrawsahouse.com
A late night spray paint expedition and an unplanned PR sensation saw Georgia Draws A House blast into existence.
It all began with a drawing of her childhood home for her mum. And then one for her mum's friend. And then one for her mum's friends' friend. And then her mum's friends' friends' friend. And you get the picture.
Georgia Norton Lodge is an artist, a book illustrator, a designer and a business woman. She is also a woman without a five year plan. Or even a 12...2022-09-0145 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP89 Nicole Kelly didn't show her work for the first five years, now she's with Arthouse Gallery@nk_nk_
www.nicolerenaekelly.com
How many of us run towards something we don't know how to do?
I would say for the most part, we run in the opposite direction! But for NSW South Coast based artist Nicole Kelly, it's a major driver in her painting. Her desire to paint subject matter she is quite sure how to tackle, is what keeps her interested.
It also means she has that elusive career that is built across different genres.
On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk...2022-08-1836 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP88 Alan Cruickshank The Third escaped the family business for the art world, or so he thought@artandculturejournal
Alan Cruickshank the third was born to ideally take over the family publishing business in Adelaide from his father, Alan Cruickshank the second. Alan the third had other plans - he found the art world.
Throughout Alan's career in the art world, he has spent time as an artist, a curator, he also held a leadership role for 15 years as the Director of The Contemporary Art Centre for South Australia and most interestingly, he was a key player in building a bridge between Australia and the South East Asia and Middle East art communities.2022-08-0441 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP87 Jane Messenger is the art advisor bringing institutional rigour to collectors new and old@messengerartadvisory
www.messengerart.org
Jane Messenger is the founder and director of Messenger Art Advisory.
Jane works with clients ranging from large corporations, high net worth individuals and more recently emerging collectors, helping to bring rigour to their art buying experience.
You see Jane spent over a decade working at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Some of her projects involved heading to the Tate in London, overhauling the hanging of the gallery collection and working closely with world renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini.
It's Jane's institutional knowledge and...2022-07-2132 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP86 Fiona Verity draws like you and I need to breathe@fionaverity
www.fionaverityartist.com
You may know my guest this week for a variety of reasons.
You may know her distinctive drawings of interiors and objects captured with vigour and life; she may have taught you in one of her much loved art classes on Sydney's Northern Beaches; or maybe you've tuned in to the wildly entertaining and engaging ArtW**k podcasts.
My guest this week is the Sydney based, UK born artist Fiona Verity.
Fiona was drawing long before she and Julie Nicholson were chatting with Australia's great...2022-07-071h 04
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep85 Matthew Quick has lived a life and then some@matthewquick
www.matthewquick.com.au
Buckle in. This week's episode is a wide ranging conversation about travel adventures, creativity, and among other things, how the Playboy bunny got its name.
I'm serious! My guest this week is Melbourne based painter Matthew Quick.
What you are going to realise about Matthew is that he loves a good story. Throughout his life of traveling in his earlier years, Matthew has been under gunpoint by local authorities, gone underground mining in South America with explosives tied to him, and found himself in London in...2022-06-2348 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP84 Catherine O'Donnell honours the building and lives that can be overlooked@catherine_odo
www.catherineodonnell.com.au
My guest this week is drawing artist Catherine O’Donnell.
It was one of Catherine’s curtains that caught my eye. She drew the most simple of settings with a feeling someone had just passed behind.
Catherine's work is an honouring of the quiet homes and lives. The homes and lives that maybe don’t get a second glance. That is until she captures them. A late bloomer and a quiet achiever, Catherine came to drawing after life as a lab technician and raising a family of four.
“Go do something you like!” was the suggest...2022-06-0241 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep83 Lesley Wengembo is a rising star of the hyper-realist movement@lwengemboart
www.lwengembo.com
I want you to imagine this.
You're in your early 20s, you've grown up in a big close family. You're a budding artist and have been accepted to speak at a symposium in Paris. You've never flown overseas before and your mum's not that keen on you going, but she knows its important to you, so she lets you go.
Your trip has a layover and in that layover, you find out your visa paperwork hasn't been approved and you actually can't fly on to Paris.
2022-05-1926 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP82 Kacy Grainger of Grainger Gallery treats her artists like family@graingergallery
www.graingergallery.com
This week's show starts with a love story. A love story built on food, art, wine, and now a gallery.
Joining us on the show is Canberra based artist and gallery owner, Kacy Grainger. Kacy and her husband Richard met at art school in the 90s. She was studying art, he was studying art history and curation, and together after graduation they flew off to explore Europe.
Fast forward a decade or two, and there's been a wedding, a couple kids, seperate creative careers, and now a g...2022-05-0532 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep81 Andrea Huelin knows the importance of putting yourself out there.@andreahuelinartist www.andreahuelin.com
Cairns based artist Andrea Huelin owes a failed job application for becoming a full time painter.
Andrea works on the ethos of pushing yourself and putting yourself out there. An attitude that saw her exhibiting in the Cairns Regional Gallery, which is where James Dorahy who was working with the Michael Reid group at the time saw her work. James was so impressed he posted it to Instagram, where Michael Reid saw Andrea's work and commented. Which is when Andrea put herself out there again and messaged back to Michael.
On...2022-04-2142 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep 80 Gerwyn Davies is the ultimate multi-hyphenate artist@ger.wyn www.gerwyndavies.com
From his early days of stealing a housemates sewing machine and watching Good Morning Australia, to now collaborating with global luxury brand Hermes, Gerwyn Davies has come a long way.
His photographic works are layered in skill and creativity. Not only does Gerwyn take the picture. He is the model, the costume designer, the fabricator and also the set maker. A Spotlight frequent flyer, Gerwyn uses everything from sequins, to plastic plates, to upholstery foam to craft his costumes.
And such is the construction of his costumes, that...2022-04-0735 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep79 Lili Montefiore and her fellow misfits in magical sandstone castles@lil.montefiore
www.lilimontefiore.com
My guest this week is artist Lili Montefiore. I first came across Lili at the 2020 National Art School Grad show.
Lili had these eye-catching works. Her paintings were these everyday settings but in vibrant pinks and greens and oranges. And the hooped skirt that had slogans embroidered and embossed all over it. Phrases like, give us a smile and you’re too pretty to be running at night, and whore. Cat calls that most women have heard at some point.
I wasn’t the only one who...2022-03-2439 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep78 Greta Laundy lets the energy of the colours take over@gretalaundyart
www.gretalaundyart.com
Greta paints and draws stunning colour filled abstract works. Working intuitively, Greta gets her pieces started and then hands the reigns over to them to finish, likening the process to being carried away on the energy of the colours. Don’t be fooled though. It’s not all about what colours sit best beside each other.
Greta’s work begins from a deeper place of inspiration. Psychology and sociology and feminist theory. They all play a role in bringing Greta’s artwork to life.
In today’s episode of...2022-03-1030 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 Ep77 Adam Norton creates art with his analogue mind trying to deal with our deep tech life@adamnorton64 www.adamnorton.net
UK born, Australian based artist Adam Norton creates work in a mix of forms such as installations, painting and film.
His creative practice revolves around how technology impacts the human experience. The perfect question to marry his love of science and art.
In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we chat about Adam’s childhood in Africa and how it influences his work today, what it was like studying art at Oxford, and the cumulative process of Adam’s work and how it can start as a small...2022-02-2433 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP 76 Christina Lowry has a licence to collect dead things@christinalowryartist www.christinalowryartist.com
Christina Lowry is a Queensland based artist working in fine art photography. And yes, she has a license to collect dead things. “Don’t look in the bottom draw of the freezer!" is a common warning in her household. Christina also has a bug collection and has studied the practice of preserving and pinning bugs.
You see, Christina takes inspiration for her fine art photography from the 17th century Dutch masters. And in order to create her works of art, she goes to extreme lengths to ensure the authenticity of each comp...2022-02-1036 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS4 EP 75 Kate Owen's studio is almost as famous as her artwork@kowneart www.kateowenartwork.com.au
When Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors slides into your DM's saying "Hey, I like your work, let's chat," it's a BIG moment.
Kate Owen cracked the champagne that evening and has been painting her heart out ever since. Creating everyday, showing up on socials, and generally doing her best to make the most of the fantastic opportunity that is being represented by Greenhouse Interiors.
It didn't start there though, it rarely does. Kate is the epitome of someone who sees an opportunity and runs with it. And throughout he...2022-02-0257 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep74 Monty Preston with Saatchi Art's NFT plan2022 was another big year in the art scene. Gallery openings got canceled, digital viewings had to continue to suffice, and NFT's exploded on to the market.
It was really Beeple’s collage work, Everydays: The First 5000 Days, sold via Christie’s for $69 US million that got everyone stirred up. That was March. Since then, the NFT/crypto market has been a rollercoaster ride.
And I'll be honest, it still seems like something pretty foreign to me and probably a lot of artists I know and have spoken to.
However, Saatchi Art are looking to cha...2021-12-2124 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep73 Tom Keukenmeester knows nothing ventured, nothing gained.Adelaide based artist Tom Keukenmeester learnt the ropes working as an apprentice of sorts for artist Lucy Bonnin. A move to Sydney, a hung over meeting with legendary art dealer Rex Irwin, and years of continually doing the work and today the painter and sculptor is now with Martin Browne Contemporary.
In today’s Interview With An Artist, Tom and I talk about the importance of mentors and artist friendships, how his vision for his future helped him determine what opportunities to say yes and no to, and how he found himself moving from painting to ceramic scu...2021-12-1629 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep72 Sarrita King and the power of family, community and artSarrita King almost fell into painting. Her late father was the highly respected artist, William King Jungala, a man from the Gurindji clan. Before he died in 2007, he passed on to Sarrita and her sister Tarrise King, a love of art, community and storytelling.
Sarrita lives in Garramilla, or Darwin, with her partner and her two young children, painting amongst the chaos of family life. With a career as a professional artist spanning almost 15 years, Sarrita’s work is held in collections around the world.
In today’s Interview With An Artist, we chat about how S...2021-12-0938 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep71 Kirthana Selvaraj and her awesome green suitKirthana Selvaraj is exploring her place in the world through her art. Painting herself into the halls of some of the longest standing and most traditional institutions. Her self portrait, The Green Suit, was an Archibald finalist in 2021 and a Portia Geach finalist in 2020. I remember seeing it and there was just something about the expression in her face and the way the suit hung on her that hit me.
Kirthana paints about the experience of being in a queer brown body and trying to find her place in the world, or even just see it.
2021-12-0223 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep70 Andrea Sinclair, the 2021 National Emerging Art Prize WinnerThe 2021 National Emerging Art Prize was the hottest Australian prize for emerging artists. Victorian based artist Andrea Sinclair took out the painting prize with her portrait of Flossie.
So who is Andrea? How long has she been painting for? And what’s been her career trajectory to date?
In today’s Interview With An Artist, Andrea and I talk about:
how she started art studying in the 80’s only to leave it completely and return 25 years later,
how the power of her artist friendships helped move her career along,
and the advice she wishes someon...2021-11-2528 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS3 Ep56 Amber Creswell Bell and the National Emerging Art PrizeWhat is the definition of an emerging artist? Does art need to tell a story? How do I know what prizes to apply for? If you have ever asked yourself these questions this episode is for you. I chatted with Amber Creswell Bell, the Program Director for Michael Reid Northern Beaches and the driving force behind this new prize to answer these questions and more.
The National Emerging Art Prize is open for submissions for painting and ceramic works until October 1, 2021.
Wilamina Russo2021-08-1922 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep24 droplt cofounders Georgia Mills and Sotiris Sotiriou talk NFTs, perfect partnerships and launch plansThe NFT market is going wild and you’re a programer who loves art with a good friend how owns a gallery. What do you do?
Of course you call your gallery friend and say 'What's our plan?'
Georgia Mills is a programmer for a leading Australian software company and Sotiris Sotiriou is the founder and owner of COMA Gallery in Sydney. Georgia could see there was an opportunity to be had and the result is droplt - a new digital marketplace for the acquisition of NFTs planned to be launched later this year.
2021-07-1532 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep9 Bethany SaabBethany’s Saab entry onto the Australian art scene has been one most artists dream of.
She was approached by Amber Creswell Bell to join the Michael Reid emerging artist program, was listed in The Design Files and national newspaper The Australian as an artist to watch, and is currently prepping for her second solo show at Michael Reid Northern Beaches.
Not bad for her first year in the industry! Head on over to Bethany’s Instagram @bethanysaabart to follow her emerging artist journey.
Enjoy meeting the lovely Bethany Saab.2021-04-0130 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep 8 Gig Moses The Moree GalleryGig Moses, owner and Director of The Moree Gallery, is a great example of the creative vibrancy that blossoms in regional Australia.
On top of her amazing stable of artists, Gig also has a loyal following of collectors. It wasn’t always that way though, Gig has invested over two decades of energy, resources, and love, into getting the gallery to where it is today.
Among other things we talk about her life at the gallery and some misconceptions about Moree, her advice to emerging artists and also new collectors, and how an accident with her beloved dog Freddo lead to...2021-03-2531 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep7 Julie BattistiJulie Battisti paints the most glorious billowing clouds and luxurious flowers. Sounds kind of dreamy right? And it is. Escapism is one of her artistic drivers and it's not at all surprising. You could definitely get lost in her works. We chat the artist gallery relationship and why she values it, the sometimes awkward side of money and being an artist, and the commissioning process.
Head to Julie’s instagram @juliebattisti and check out her rich works.2021-03-1730 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep6 Johnny KJohnny K is an Australian artist based in the Blue Mountains behind Sydney. His vibrant Australian landscapes have grown in popularity and it's no wonder. They bring a sense of freedom and joy to the viewer. We dived into some of life's big topics - philosophy, the power of the Australian landscape, the gallery artist relationship and his upcoming first solo exhibition at Wentworth Gallery in Sydney.
Head to his Instagram @Johnnykartist and check out his vibrant take on the Australian landscape.2021-03-1037 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep5 Pi WilliamsEmerging Australian artist Pi Williams creates art works you just want to touch! The textile artist uses punch needle and variety of wools and yarns to create beautiful works that are rich in colour and texture.
Check out her work on Instagram @piwilliamsart or her website www.piwilliams-art.com2021-03-0421 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep4 Ashley LongshoreStrap yourself in for the life force that is American artist, gallery owner, and all round artrepreneur, Ashley Longshore.2021-02-2437 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep3 Kelsey HowardThis week we’re off to Wilmington North Carolina in the USA, to chat with emerging American painter Kelsey Howard. It was Kelsey’s portraits of women that initially caught my eye. We spoke about balancing her day job as a nurse and her artistic career, holding her first solo show which sold out, Instagram as a great source of inspiration, and the importance of believing in yourself and finding enjoyment in your practice.
Head to Kelsey’s Instagram page @kelseyhowardart to get an eye full of colour and joy.2021-02-1731 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep2 Robert MalherbeAustralian figurative painter Robert Malherbe wants to capture the moment. It's an experience he's painting, not a picture. An experience of feelings, of intensity, of light refracting from the round of a hill or the round of a buttock. His loose bold brush strokes give a richness to his paintings that is loved the world over. Today on Interview with an find out if he has any regrets, if his definition of success is changing at all, and the importance of artists supporting artists. Find him on Instagram at @robert_malherbe2021-02-1120 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoS2 Ep1 Samantha HobbelenSamantha Hobbelen creates paintings that lift you up and leave you feeling pretty darn good. Just like a session hanging out with Sam. We talk about the importance of asking the question, bringing some business brains to a creative life, and see how her career as an artist has evolved since we first spoke in 2019. Find her on instagram @samanthahobbelen2021-02-0333 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoEmily PerssonImpasto pallete knife painter Emily Persson began as a teenager, painting murals on her bedroom cupboard. Fast forward 15 years to today and her work is in demand with collectors around the globe. Her journey has been overwhelming, liberating and rewarding and really, Emily is only just getting started. Emily joined me from her home in Melbourne for this week's Interview With An Artist.
www.emilyperssonartist.com2020-12-1621 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoAlice Linford ForteIf you were to look up the phrase free spirit in the dictionary you would see a picture of gorgeous Alice Linford Forte next to it. The Western Australian artist loves to paint, surf and travel. Before COVID hit, Alice was making her way through central and south America. And as amazing as it all sounds, Alice doesn’t take it for granted. She knows hard work and a supportive family play a big role in her success.
Check our her Insta @theartofalice2020-12-1020 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoAndrew McLeanChances are you've read one of the 80 books Andrew McLean has illustrated. Or maybe one of the 15 he and his wife Janet published together. Janet writes the words and Andrew, a painter and drawer, illustrates the pictures. And a lot has changed since their first book came out in 1978, but one thing remains the same, children love a great story.
Check out www.mcleanpicturebooks.com for all Andrew's work.2020-12-0326 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoYuri ShimmyoYuri Shimmyo tried to give up painting. But she couldn’t. It called her back. And after 40 plus years of painting, this year Yuri was selected as a finalist in the Archibald, one of Australia’s leading portrait prizes. We spoke about why she couldn’t leave the artistic life behind, the juggle of day jobs and creating art, and how her studio is at times a noisy place, with all her paintings talk to her.
Check out her work at www.yurishimmyo.com or on Instagram @yurishimmyo
Yuri joined me from her home in Sydney for this week's show.2020-11-2618 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoNina WaltonNina Walton draws, paints and creates using needle and thread. It's not weaving, more so painting with thread as Nina puts it. We chat about the timing of life and when we come to things, the limiting nature of labels, the political commentary that accompanies working with thread and how there is beauty and hope in the dissolving of things.
Check out her work at her website www.ninawalton.com or head to her Instagram @ninawaltonart2020-11-1824 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoJasmine MansbridgeBright bold colours. Geometric shapes. You know a Jasmine Mansbridge piece whether you see it on the street or hanging on the wall. The Victorian based artist has a style full of energy and life, inspired by mother nature.
Check out her work at either www.jasminemansbridge.com or head to her instagram @jasmine_mansbridge.2020-11-1133 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoNathan HawkesNathan Hawkes draws richly coloured works that are loose but also full of detail. They are almost fairytale like in the most beautiful of whimsical images. If they sound intriguing, they are. Head on over to his instagram @n.a.t.h.a.n.h.a.w.k.e.s and you'll see exactly what I mean.
Nathan joined me from his home in Sydney for this week’s Interview With An Artist.2020-11-0418 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoPetra PinnPetra Pinn is a Sydney based artist who loves teaching her students, loves trawling through op shops, and hates being pigeonholed.
Her works include all the things she enjoys painting - people, pets, interiors, still lives, landscapes - and sometimes all in one gorgeous piece!
Head to her instagram @petrapinn for a scroll through a colour rich selection of works that are full of life.
2020-10-2828 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoTillie Moyle and Thea-Bella TaylorYoung Archibald Special!
This week we meet two amazing young artists Tillie Moyle, 13 and Thea-Bella Taylor 12, both are finalists in Australia's national portrait prize, the Young Archies. You can check out Thea's work on her instagram or website - Quirky Critters. 2020-10-2121 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoSarah BishopSarah Bishop gets on with life.
Whether it's working on her rural property in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, raising her two children as they move into their teenage years, or drawing into the night with a scotch in hand and love for the madness that is hyper-realistic drawing. Sarah also paints, with her studio muse, the cutest pony you have ever seen, and a world of inspiration right out side her door.
Head to her Instagram page @sarahbishopartist and you'll see the breadth of her creative expertise.
Joy. Passion. Dedication. Th...2020-10-1433 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoJosh CharadiaJosh Charadia graduated from a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2017. This year, a mere three years later, he was named a finalist in the Sulman, a prestigious Australian art prize. A proud moment for both Josh and his parents. When Josh was younger he would pester his father to get out his water paints and show Josh how to improve.
Roller coaster is a a word Josh uses a lot throughout our chat. And it's understandable. The life of any creative is one of great highs and doubt invoking lows. Learning to ride them out and stay o...2020-10-0718 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoNoelle RigaudieNoelle Rigaudie
Instagram @noellerigaudie
French born Australian artist Noelle Rigaudie makes pieces that would look at home in the palace of French King Louis XV. Elegant. Sophisticated. Refined. And made of cardboard. Yes, that's right, cardboard. What started as a fun craft exercise in 2006, turning a pizza box into a simple frame, has evolved to a fine art practice. Ornate mirrors, stylish sideboards, beautiful chairs, pieces that dance on the boundary of fine art and functional furniture.
We talk everything from second careers, to her big break with Sibella Court and Antrhopologie, to se...2020-10-0144 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoBritty EmBritty Em is a force of nature. Just like her paintings. Full of life and energy and passion, the Gold Coast artist creates colour filled works that stop you in your tracks. Head to her Instagram page @britty.em and you'll see what I mean.
At 17 Britty held her first solo show and it sold out. However she left the easel behind and opened her own design agency, after studying both fine art and architecture. With a 10 years absence from the art world, Britty decided the time was right to come back. And what a re-entry it’s be...2020-09-2428 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoJo WhiteJo White creates with emotion.
It’s a feeling she’s following when painting scenes and people from regional Australia, an Australia of times gone by. Of farming families packing up station wagons for the annual beach holiday. Of shearing sheds and old trucks. Of social outings such as the local cricket game or tennis at a friends. Traditions that continue today but back then, pre-internet, pre-mobile phones, pre-colour TV, they were lifelines of connection. And regardless of whether people grew up on the land or in the city, lovers of good art love Jo’s work.
Head...2020-09-1722 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoMarisa VeermanMarisa Veerman's work will stop you in your tracks. Firstly because it's breathtaking. Secondly because you will be doing your best to try and figure out what it is. Is it a photo? Is there some stitching on it? But the finish kind of looks like a painting?
Marisa's work is true mixed media. Her grounding in fine art photography combined with her career in textiles and visual merchandising marry beautifully to result in Marisa's art. Portraits of women and girls, caught mid movement, creating an exquisite and surprisingly calming viewing experience.
Unique is a wo...2020-09-0920 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoLuke ShadboltLuke Shadbolt is part storm chaser, part stunt man, part photographic artist. He puts himself in some incredible and sometimes dangerous situations, to capture the power of the ocean. His images illustrate mother nature's mighty force with an intensity and emotion that is impossible to ignore. And that's important to Luke, he wants you to take notice. He wants to remind you of the beauty and the power of the ocean. He's also is more interested in the process than the end result. The trait of a true artist.
Head to his Instagram @lukeshadbolt and you will see...2020-09-0323 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoRobert BrownhallRobert Brownhall drowned as a three year old. He was revived and given a slim chance of making it through the night. But he did. Now in his early 50s, it's only in recent years that Rob decided to revisit the trauma that has coloured his life. Literally. From the subject matter he paints, to the golden hue in his work, to his preference for being up high whether in the tops or trees or buildings . Rob Brownhall paints with a sensitivity that speaks to his deep thinking nature. Head to his instagram page @robertbrownhallartist to see what I mea...2020-08-2731 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoMiranda LorikeetMiranda Lorikeet sat bored in front of a computer at the age of 22. A receptionist for an insurance company, the role was anything but creative. Enter Microsoft Paint. Like most desktops, Ms Paint was installed. Miranda unleashed her creative urges and began what would soon become an artistic career as one of the very few, and very talented Ms Paint Artists. She creates wanderlust landscapes with little naked women running around, climbing mountains, and swimming in lagoons. And also still life pieces that make the ordinary seem somehow more exciting. Vibrant and playful, Miranda's work captures a mood that...2020-08-1922 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoEdward WaringEdward Waring grew up in a time when the good glasses and the good crystal were saved for special occasions. Objects too precious for the everyday, However now, head along to your local op shop and you’ll find shelves of them. Crystal vases and glass sets noone wants any more. That is until Edward gets his hands on them.
Edward is an assemblage artist with a fabulous ability to look at things and see a way of putting them together, to breathe new life into them. From his Champagne Tables, to his Memory Sticks to his Tabl...2020-08-1327 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoJayde ChandlerJayde Chandler needed a couple of glasses of good wine, and an encouraging nudge from her husband to exhibit her first painting. The piece was included in a fundraiser for drought relief and sold for $2000. Not bad for a painting that never had any intention of being seen publicly. That was two years ago now and Jayde’s creative practice has gone from strength to strength. In between raising four young children and helping out on the cattle and sheep property she runs with her husband, Jayde creates vibrant colour rich paintings.
Jayde joined me from north we...2020-08-0620 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoClaudia MirandaClaudia Miranda took a chance. In 2018 she was a mum with a young baby and a steady job. But it wasn’t enough. There was a calling within her to create. So she took the leap and picked up a pen. Inspired by Picasso’s The Kiss, she drew her first piece. The Lovers. And it sold, quickly. So she drew another. And that sold. And before Claudia knew it, she had commissions out the door and brands knocking for collaborations. You see Claudia creates with heart and soul. And you can feel that when you look at her work...2020-07-3022 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoEma ShinEma Shin is a softly spoken textile artist born in Japan to a lineage of both Japanese and Korean family. She now lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children. Ema uses the age old craft of embroidery and weaving to create powerful, feminine pieces. Pieces that honour the women in her life, such as her mother and her grandmother. You see in Korean family trees, it’s tradition is to track the men, namely the first born males. In Ema’s family tree of 35 generations there is not one woman's name. Which is really interesting because it takes...2020-07-2318 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoLaura JonesLaura Jones cares. Behind the broad brush strokes and bold colours of her paintings there is great thought. Thought about what is happening to the environment and to our society. Laura observes the way we humans are impacting the world and responds with her paint brush. A creative evolution that has so far incorporated landscapes, still life and an Archibald finalist portrait. Laura has a breadth of talent matched by a depth of conviction and she joined me from her Sydney studio, for this week's Interview With An Artist.
Find her work on instagram @_laura_jones_
2020-07-1618 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoLeah FraserLeah Fraser has a wild imagination. The self-confessed history and fantasy nerd paints whimsical mythical paintings. Pictures of characters who could easily have epic novels written about them. And although the artist has been away from the canvas, raising her two babes. She’s back. And she’s excited. Excited to see the evolution of her work as her life expands. Leah joined me from her Sydney studio, for this week’s Interview With An Artist.
You can check out Leah's work on instagram @lelefraser 2020-07-0921 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoBeth GibbesonLooking at a painting by Beth Gibbeson is like getting a sneak peak into her soul. Her pieces are big, bold, colour rich works based on warm tones. Because Beth hates to be cold. And her life is big and bold. She has lived in Egypt, she's married and has four children, she plays her studio music LOUD. From impromptu dance parties with her kids, to finding what she was good at when she was young, to sharing her passion with the students she teaches, Beth's life is full of colour. The Melbourne based artist joined me for this w...2020-07-0227 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoDavid HinchliffeAt the tender age of 12 David Hinchliffe was seduced by the bohemian artists painting in his Brisbane inner city suburb. It was the 1960's. These artists drank WINE at a time when beer was the standard. They painted all day while others toiled in "real jobs". Drawn to creativity, David tried his hand at the canvas and found there was something there. He sold his first piece at age 12 for $20, a considerable sum given his father's weekly wage at the time was $30. But even with the talent, the passion, and the desire, David's life took a different turn. A ca...2020-06-2540 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoEliza GosseSydney based painter Eliza Gosse has a penchant for the past. More specifically, mid century architecture. Her paintings evoke feelings of nostalgia for days gone by. Think your classic 50s or 60s roadside motel with clean lines in muted colours. And Eliza’s not the only one with fondness for the aesthetic. Since graduating from her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2017, Eliza has held a number of solo shows, finished as a finalist multiple times in the well regarded Ravenswood Female Art Award and won a number of prizes including the People Choices award in the Waverley Art Prize.
...2020-06-1919 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoLori PensiniWestern Australian artist Lori Pensini began painting out of obligation. Twenty years on, she now paints out of passion. Feverish to know if she has enough time to paint all the stories she has to tell. Stories of ancestors. Stories of Australia. Stories of life on the land. A legacy eight generations deep with her children the potential ninth. This emotional and spiritual connection comes through in Lori’s work. Particularly in the eyes of the people and children she paints. The complexity she captures in their stares requires more than just skill with a brush.
Head to L...2020-06-1129 minWilly (Wilamina) RussoPip SpiroPip Spiro's path to much loved Australian painter has had a few detours. First a business degree. Then a period working in advertising in London. And then a move back home to mum and dad’s after quitting work to pursue her creative passion. Her first solo exhibition in 2018 sold out and since then her following has only grown.
Pip paints colour rich still lifes, with a recent series containing botanicals and shells, mother nature’s own works of art. What makes Pip’s work even more outstanding, is that she paints in water colours. If you have e...2020-06-0624 min
Willy (Wilamina) RussoCj HendryJumping castles inspired by mental asylums. Industrial grade confetti blowers. Copyright infringement treasure hunts. These are not your typical accoutrement to the fine art world and Cj Hendry is not your typical fine art world contender. A highly skilled, self taught drawer of hyper realistic images, Hendry knows there is a game to be played. And she’s playing it, by her own rules.
From selling her first piece in 2013 for $10000, to now selling pieces of hundreds of thousands of dollars, Hendry has come a long way. And yet, there’s still further to go.
Check...2020-06-0235 min