King Sun - Meeting John Olsen

Last week I had one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of my life. I met John Olsen.

It was the opening of his new show 'Myself and Other Animals' at Metro Gallery in Melbourne and I dropped in to see the last of his speech, buy his signed book 'John Olsen - Drawings the Human Touch' with the hope that I finally might fulfill one of my dreams and meet the man, the legend himself. Not only did I meet him, I told him he was one of the greatest inspirations of my life and thank him. He wished me 'Good luck' and even gave me a kiss! I was so overcome I was nearly in tears and had to leave the building immediately.

He is one of my 'heros' though I do not use that word often. John Olsen's artwork has inspired me most of my life long. He is one of the circle of artists that created the quintessential modern Australian art movement of the 20th century. Out of all those artists that I admire so much Arthur Boyd, Fred Williams, Sydney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, John Percival, Lyodd Rees, only Mirka Mora and John Olsen are still living and thriving. They make more vibrant and intense art then ever. Seriously, John Olsen's artistic outpourings over the last year or so are astounding and beautiful.

John Olsen - The Sydney Sun

You might be able to see from this where some of my inspiration comes from.

The mapping begins...

Over the last two or three weeks I have started in earnest on the real heart of the project: to map the length of the Darebin Creek, its history and environment.This piece is of Darebin Creek from where it meets the Yarra River to LaTrobe University, with the Yarra Ranges in the distance to the East.

It is very large and a work like this take a loooong time to complete. Here it so far....

My student's artwork

Oh the collage workshop was lovely! There is nothing like being snuggled up in the lovely warm space of the studio on a cold Winters days when its raining outside and you have lovely art materials, and people to play with! Especially when they bring lovely cake too! (Thank you Robyn) :)

Twelve weeks in and planning

It's week twelve of my artist residency at Darebin Parklands and over the last few weeks I have begun the first of the large scale, map-like pieces documenting the length of the Darebin Creek.

I did have a week by week plan at one stage, maybe I will check it out and see where I am at! :)

Here was the plan, (by putting it down here, I might even follow it, a bit) lets see how I go...

Research and Development
April - Setting in and Beginning. Exploring and Playing. Contacts and Planning.
May - Getting to know everyone. Understanding organisation structure. Research and resources.
June  - Working practice. Testing ideas. Classes and promotion. Begin really making body of work.

Production and Immersion
July - Establishing deep connection to place. Start serious work. Immersion in the art practice.
August - Working rhythm and pacing. Research Deepening, Ideas rising. Presentation to groups.
Sept - Peek Productivity. Promotion and open days, presenting to the public. Organise exhibition. 

Presentation and Connections
Oct - Access resources, connections with Councils, communities and other organisations.
Nov - Presentation. Open studios. Promotion. Public talks and art workshops. Completion begins.
Dec - Completion. Documentation. Begin review process, organise next phase, research funding.

Completion and Documentation
Jan - Exhibition planning, research funding, completion, documentation.
Feb - Presentation of complete body of work to organisations and committees.
March - Possible report and review of residency, funding applications/options, proposal for ongoing residency. 

Exhibition Venues - Bundoora Homestead, Hatch Contemporary Art Space, Fairfield Library?