Inarrabri

10 / 16

10 iNarrabri Magazine May 7th - May 20th
Feature Interview
Where does your passion for art
spring from?
Ever since I was a child I have loved
art. I was more passionate about
covering my exercise books with
glitter and bright colours than I
was about the content that went
into them! As I got older I dabbled
more. I have some very creative
cousins too and they inspired me
to start drawing and painting and
find my own style. I think I am very
lucky now to be in a place where I
can do something I love, something
that has interested me since I was a
youngster and brings me joy.
Why did you go back to do your
Master of Art?
It’s interesting… I guess it has always
been something I wanted to do.
I love art and although I was able
to be creative in my undergradu-
ate degree (graphic design) I felt
I lacked fine art skills. When I was
offered a position at UNSW COFA
to study my Masters I jumped at the
chance and I don’t regret a thing!
What inspires you?
As you can see from a lot of my
work I am very much interested
in animals! I love birds, elephants,
lions, tigers, butterflies etc. I am
particularly interested in birds, which
is strange because I am actually
incredibly afraid of them!
You're not a Hitchcock fan?
Very funny Chris. We all have our
quirks... Al and I are besties! I have
spoken to many successful artists
and quite a few did say that they
started off painting and drawing
animals…then they developed from
there and are now painting things
such as abstract landscapes. It’s
amazing how what interests one
can change over time.
Where do you see yourself in the
contemporary art world?
Oh gosh, I have no idea? I am still
learning… The process I have found
incredibly valuable. My studies
have influenced the subject matter
I choose, the materials I use and
also have improved my technical
abilities. I still have a long way to go
but I feel I am getting there, and the
more I learn the more confident I
feel about the pieces I create.
What advice would you give to
other budding artists?
It’s a tough industry. You have to be
passionate about it. In saying that
it’s incredibly rewarding to have
someone appreciate something you
have created. Don’t follow trends.
Do what you love because at the
end of the day it’s about creating
works that make you happy and
works that are meaningful to you. It
is very easy as an artist to be very
critical of your own work. My advice
would be to be kind to yourself.
What artists do you look up to?
There are SO many! I quite like
Ben Quilty's work at the moment
because I am painting budgies
for my major project at UNSW. I
recently met Angus Nivison at his
home in Walcha, he is an amazing
and passionate Australian artist! It
was wonderful to see his studio and
some of his more recent artworks.
I left very inspired! I also really find
the work of Miranda Skoczek very
beautiful. She is worth a google, she
uses colours and animals in a very
interesting way.
What is your dream job?
To not have to work... but isn't that
everyone's dream job?
Where was the photo of the
elephant taken?
The photo of the elephant (Melanie)
and I was taken in Bali a few years
ago. I was actually petrified because
that day she wasn't really up to see-
ing visitors. I was one of the lucky
ones that got a really cute hug and
to touch peacefully her without her
trying to accost me for food. It was
one of the most amazing experi-
ences of my life.
Above. A small selection of Jessica's work so far. To view more, check out:
or local artist - Jessica Barraket
Your local wedding specialist
John Burgess
Photography
Portraiture available.
Contact John Burgess
 0423 690 586
www. johnburgessphotography.com.au