Term 3 2007 Plus... Careers In Art - Zart Art

careers in art
It has had a great and very
positive effect to be
connected to the World
from where I live and work,
I use computer graphics to
do prints and design cards,
but my paintings still come
from the inner creative part
of me.
What are some of the
negative aspects of your
job
Keeping on top of the
business side. Being my
own worst secretary.
What is something you
would love to do that you
haven’t already done
Stage set for contemporary
opera.
How would you describe
your first solo exhibition
A positive surprise At AM
Sachs Gallery, 57th street in
New York City in 1973. The
art dealer said, “You won’t
sell any work because no
one knows your name”. My
first sale in New York City. A
man walked in off the
street and bought one, just
because he liked it.
Clement Greenberg saw the
show and told the dealer
“This work is very mature
for a young artist”.
Where do you get most of
your inspiration
Looking at and
experiencing nature. I never
want to imitate it, but the
colour and the light have a
lasting effect on my mind,
and it permeates every
brush stroke I make on the
canvas.
What fellow artist has
most influenced you
In the past few years. Robert
Irwin, for his absolute
simplicity and its effects of
light and colour in his work.
Lee Krasner for her density
of forms and her wild paint
application. Also for knowing
before anyone else, that her
husband was a brilliant artist.
Brice Marden for being open
to experimentation in the
way he works. It creates
freedom in his paintings. In
the past: El Greco for the
most beautiful colour that
defines all his forms and
creates very emotional
images. Every time I look at
his paintings I see something
new that he has achieved.
Giotto for being so
contemporary for his time
and his exquisite sense of
colour
What’s your favourite
piece of work to date
I favour them all for
different reasons but there
is one… A painting called
“Clouds in The Mountain”
in the collection of the
Embassy of Australia in
Washington DC. It is one of
my most original works.
What is your favourite
piece of clothing in your
wardrobe
A paisley print, pink and
gold silk skirt purchased
from Banana Republic. I
have been wearing black
since I was a teenager and
lately I have to have colour
in my wardrobe.
Who would you most like
to sit next to on a flight to
Europe
Not sure who, but a creative
person who was using that
time to make music or art
and I could talk to them
about that. I am most relaxed
around creative people and
if they didn’t want to talk
at all that’s OK too.
If you were speaking to a
secondary school student
who was showing interest
in following in your
footsteps, what advice
would you give them
Only become an artist if
you have a true calling for
it. It is a really, exciting and
interesting life, but not an
easy one. Making art is very
empowering and it has a
lasting effect on people. It
is the only truly peaceful
statement to make. Other
artists will be your help
throughout life, because
they understand the life
you have chosen.
Folio Building
As part of the entrance requirements for
art and design courses, students must
present a folio of work.
When putting together your
folio you should consider the
following: Purpose, Pieces, and
Preparation & Presentation
1. Purpose: A folio is used
to show ideas, concept
development, demonstrate
skill and provide evidence of
artistic ability. It is also used to
show your current and potential
growth in a chosen field.
Remember it’s not all about the
final piece, progression and the
developmental processes are just
as important.
2. Pieces: You need to include
your strongest pieces of work
though a minimum of 10 pieces
comprising of the final piece plus
developmental work, sketches &
studies. Make sure you include a
range of approaches, mediums
and media though this again
depends on the field you want
to enter. You may need to adjust
the your folio if you are applying
to different courses.
3. Preparation:
Lay work out in some sort of
cohesive order. This is up to
you as artwork chosen may
determine the flow of the folio,
though as a guide you may show
the final piece followed by the
developmental work. You may
choose to group by theme: still
life, photography, technical
drawing etc.
Photograph pieces which are
too large or awkward to carry
that includes large paintings or
3d forms. When photographing
artwork show it from all angles
and note the dimensions.
“Fix” charcoal or pastel artwork
and put a sheet of newsprint
between each work to stop other
work from being damaged.
4. Presentation:
Flat folio: You need to lay your
work out in a flat folio- never roll
up artwork. Choose a folio that
is comfortable to carry and suits
the overall size of your artwork.
Take care when mounting your
work. Window mounts are
unnecessary for all pieces- just
trim away edges and use spray
adhesive to stick work to the
mount board. In the corner of
the artwork, label with title,
description, client etc.
Keep the look of the folio
universal throughout - perhaps
with a coloured mount, your
name and logo in the corner.
Digital: If you have digital work
- that includes animation, web,
interface or 3d design present
your work on a laptop. Don’t
expect your interviewer to have
a computer ready for you to use.
Reduce file sizes (where possible)
so that time is not wasted trying
to open a file.
Final tip from the experts: Meet and greet professionals;
become involved in work experience programs, make an
appointment to visit a design firm, agency or local artist.
Attend open days, graduate exhibitions and attend
AGIdeas or Futures conference (term 1 holidays) to learn as
much as you can about the field you want to enter.
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