art
LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
John Klein Can you describe to us the type of artist you are, and the medium you work in? I mainly paint still life using the medium of oil paint. I am a keen gardener and so many of the flowers from my garden appear in my paintings. I also have a collection of objects from the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Arts & Crafts periods and these also are used as subjects in my paintings. What motivates you to ‘create’? I have a love of colour, design and form and enjoy pulling various pieces together to create images that are beautiful to look at and can be admired by my collectors. I enjoy both the planning and execution of a painting and love to bring joy into my collectors’ homes. Fresh flowers eventually wilt and die however my paintings last a lifetime. Where did you learn your craft, or is it something you were blessed with? My father was an artist and encouraged me to draw as a child. I studied film and television when I left school and that taught me about light, tone and picture composition. As a painter, I am mostly self-taught however I have also honed my skills by completing workshops with artists that I admire. Do you find Lane Cove and surrounds a supportive place for artists and creators? Yes, there are some really terrific opportunities for artists to show their work locally. I have been a finalist in the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill Art Prizes several times and these events are always well run and supported by the community. Do you believe there should be more support for the arts, and if so, how would that manifest? Yes, I do. The recent lockdowns have been devastating for both the visual and performing arts community with many performances and exhibitions cancelled. The government needs to allocate more funds to support the arts recover from this difficult period. How would we go about seeing your works? Right now, I am featured in the spring exhibition at Brenda Colahan Fine Art in Putney. They offer contactless viewing in the alcove in front of the gallery and click and collect. You can view the full catalogue at www.brendacolahanfineart.com Which artists/creators inspire you? There are many artists who inspire me. I love the work of Margaret Preston, Margaret Olley and Grace Cossington Smith. Some of my favourite contemporary Australian artist included John Bokor, Wendy Sharpe and Lucy Culliton. I also Love Criss Canning – her still life paintings and extensive gardens in central Victoria are stunning.
30 TVO
