Arts

art

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.

What I watched on TV…

Once again, our TV man Stephen Miller shares some of the best television shows he’s enjoyed watching over the last month.

The Newsreader (ABC iView)

The Newsreader provides an insight into the smoke-filled newsrooms of 1980s Australia. It explores the people, their relationships and the high-pressure deadlines behind our nightly television news. While fictional, it references major real-life stories from the 80s, which, with the muted colour grading, gives a great sense of realism. However, the show’s most significant achievement is how it guides us through this highly stressful environment with calm professionalism, making for a delightful watch. ★★★★ Why you would watch it: This is an excellent Australian drama. Why you wouldn’t: While it received good reviews from critics, actual viewing figures were disappointing. Mr Inbetween (Binge) 3 series

Ray Shoesmith (Scott Ryan) is a father, ex-husband, boyfriend and best friend. Juggling such roles is always tricky, but the task gets even more complicated if you add in ‘thug for hire’. However, despite his ‘employment’, Ray remains eminently likeable, and you’ll occasionally even empathise with this anti-hero’s alternative idea of right and wrong. This has to be one of the best pieces of Australian drama I’ve ever watched. Yes, it is a bit violent at times, but you can’t make a show about omelettes without breaking some eggs. ★★★★★ Why you would watch it: How it combines humour and violence is unlike anything else on TV. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like TV shows containing swearing and violence. Vigil (Binge)

This BBC show has an impressive cast, including Suranne Jones, Shaun Evans and Martin Compston. It has received rave reviews from almost everyone, except several Royal Navy officers – they apparently thought the representation of the armed forces was ‘sub’-standard – sorry! Just remember, though, this is a television whodunnit, not a documentary about life on a Navy submarine. But, fictional drama or not, I do agree that the crew seemed somewhat incompetent at times to be in charge of nuclear weapons. ★★★★½ Why you would watch it: As the poster says, ‘The deeper you go, the darker it gets’.

Why you might give it ‘Das Boot’:

The submarine’s claustrophobic environment may make you feel uncomfortable.

The Chair (Netflix)

The only thing I could fault The Chair on was that it wasn’t long enough – just six 30 minute episodes. It explores the trials and tribulations faced by Dr JiYoon Kim (Sandra Oh) as she navigates her new role as the English department chair at prestigious Pembroke University. I actually didn’t expect it to be so interesting, but it was a very easy watch with an excellent topical plot. Can’t wait for the second sitting! ★★★★½ Why you would watch it: Well acted, funny, and at times also quite moving. Why you wouldn’t: Some people thought the humour sophomoric. Mirror, Mirror (10 Play)

Australia has one of the highest per capita cosmetic surgery rates globally. In Mirror, Mirror advertising and marketing guru Todd Sampson lifts the lid on body image dissatisfaction. He examines how the fitness, diet, and pornography industries are profiting from our obsession with beauty. This two-part documentary was both informative and thoroughly absorbing – not to be missed. ★★★★ Why you should watch it: 50% of Australians say they are unhappy with their looks. Why you wouldn’t: It is, at times, quite confronting. Morning Wars (Apple+) 2 series

This is high-budget television at its best. It’s an inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning. Lisa Wilkinson suggested it was “…like watching a documentary”. Despite not being a thriller, it is pretty thrilling and a reminder of the importance of good scripts. I haven’t been this hooked on a TV show in a long time. It’s compulsive viewing and not to be missed. ★★★★★ Why you should watch it: Jennifer Aniston is excellent, while Reese Witherspoon’s ‘Bradley’ is next level. Why you wouldn’t: You’re not an Apple+ subscriber.