Meet new IAVA member Graham Sinclair. We asked Graham a few questions about his art practice.
What was your earliest memory of an interaction with Art?
My earliest exposure to art was through reading comics as a 6 or 7 year old, which sparked my interest in drawing. When I reached high school, an art teacher saw some of my drawings and encouraged me to study art as an elective for my School Certificate. It took a few goes over many years to commit to practising art, but my interest took off from those early classes at school.
How would you describe your art practice? (Media; influences, approach?)
I still like to experiment a bit with themes and styles within my art practice, although I have most success with landscapes and abstract small sculpture. I do start a lot of my paintings as sketches based on photos I’ve taken of the environment, although recently I’ve been incorporated some plein air practice (weather permitting!). My abstract sculptures admittedly develop as random ideas as I work with repurposed wood and steel.
Do you have a favourite artist and/or artwork? What is it that makes them your favourite?
My favourite artists are currently Idris Murphy and Luke Sciberras, and my favourite sculptors are Alberto Giacometti and Harrie Fasher. I find all their work visually appealing.
Most recent adventure or achievement?
2022 has been very rewarding for my art practice. I was named a finalist in the North Sydney Art Prize, and won second prize in the Small Abstract Sculpture class at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. I also won first prize in the Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
I am currently planning and preparing works for my first solo exhibition at the Bowral District Art Gallery in May 2023, which is both daunting and very exciting. Outside of art, I’m working towards getting physically fit and perhaps seeing a bit of Australia.
