Still I_Lumps of Destiny_GregPenn2013
galleries I came across, Ricco Maresca specialized in Outsider and Crossover Art. I was struck by the rawness and complete energy in a lot art they showed. I was completely unaware that what I was looking at was Vernacular Art. I found that this particular outsider art challenged me and left a distinctive mark much the same way you would expect from any good art that is created by an artist with formal training.
ongoing schedule of video works and artworks being broadcast 24/7 (online). You have formal training, and you have studied in Melbourne and Film and Photography at the University of Wales: how much training influences art? I would have to say 50/50; education gave me a unique opportunity to learn from practicing artists and absorb their experiences. It is such a unique opportunity to be able to practice art in the confines of an institution. Facilities like studios and digital labs etc. are expensive facilities outside of the institution. Having access to such facilities allowed me to build up a portfolio and exhibit my work soon after graduation. Between my undergraduate in Film and Photography and my Postgraduate studies and following Masters, I had time to develop and get some real world experience. I really believe this was very important for me to grow and develop my own practice and mind. I was able to look at art in the US, London and India first hand before coming to settle in Melbourne and embarking on my Masters. While exploring art galleries in Chelsea, New York, you wander from one gallery to the next and enjoy just getting lost in art. One of the
The Hayward Gallery in London had a complete exhibition dedicated to Outsider Art last year and ofcourse the Venice biennale showed both Outsider and Contemporary Art together. People will have different views on formal training but, for me, mixing life experience with study is very important. Could you take us through your creative process when starting a new project?
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My creative process involves harnessing and directing light and sound. When I begin a work I begin a walk. At the moment I am enjoying the world through sound. I have always been very aware of light through my interest in photo-graphy so this goes back many years. Combing these two is a relatively new process for me.