Artwork by Shina Kim
I first discovered the wonderful work of Melbourne-based artist Dawn Tan through the ever-attentive eye of Ebony Bizys, who runs the wonderful Hello Sandwich blog. You might also have read about Dawn recently on The Design Files, a reliably excellent blog that warms the spotlight on many great Melbourne talents. But if you haven't yet come across this illustrator's work, now's a good time – she's just about to open a group show in her home city.
Artwork by Dawn Tan
Do you remember the first piece of art you ever made?
One I remember has got to be my first attempt at Chinese ink on rice paper painting. Let's just say that my fluffy yellow chick turned into a black splotchy alien. I think I was seven?
I love how much you feature food in your artwork. Are there particular foods/eating rituals/mealtimes that you find helpful for kickstarting inspiration?
I like making a good breakfast. Pancakes and muffins inspire me. I think if my 'artist plan' somehow backfires on me, I'll set up a pancake stand-business. I'll promise lots of toppings!
P.S. For this show, I won't be featuring any food-based works. I'll be exhibiting my mountain-glittered text works instead.
Artwork by Shina Kim
Can you tell me some interesting things about the other artists involved in this show.
There's four of us: Noriko Nakamura, Caroline Banks, Shina Kim and myself. You see, we're from all around the world!
Noriko's Japanese, Caroline's Australian and she lives up in the mountain ranges (I find that super cool), Shina's Korean and I'm from Singapore. But we're all living and making art here in one of the best crafty arty cities in the world – Melbourne! We love it!
Artwork by Noriko Nakamura
Noriko's art practice is mostly about her cute cat, Cinnamon. Shina creates abstract flower motifs derived from the human figure. And Caroline usually picks whatever tube of paint that's closest to her to start each of her paintings.
We all love craft/sewing/knitting/fabric/glittery things, but above all, nature. So for our show, we're making lots of pastel delicate works based on nature and crafting.
Tell me about the garden tea party for the show, what’s on the menu?
Unfortunately, as we all know how erratic Melbourne's weather is – forecast says it's going to rain! – we're moving the tea party indoors. It's going to be a mini-mini-stairway tea party instead. There's going to be cute music, fairy lights, lovely stairway art to look at, some tea, cupcakes, lamingtons, scones, cookies, etc. There's still a garden where arty folks can sit and enjoy nature though. Oh and did I mention, a lovely little cat will be at the opening too! She's got great respect for art!
Artwork by Caroline Banks
What's the best thing about curating a show? Hardest thing about curating a show?
Best thing? The fact that I get to learn so much and be more sensitive to the placement of works. It's amazing! The hardest thing has got to be making sure everything goes well, just as planned, and being super selective and not offending anyone in the process of being nitpicky, and asking that everyone turns up on time, so that I don't worry so much. You see, I'm a worrywart!
Who are your favourite local designers/artists/creative people?
I'm a fan of Sarah McNeil's quaint drawings, Catherine Campbell's lovely girls, Laith McGregor’s biro men, Edward Ruscha’s text works and Beatrix Potter's sweet animals. But my all-time favourite has got to be Quentin Blake!
Artwork by Dawn Tan
What’s coming up next for you?
I'll be selling handmade goodies at Craft Victoria's November Craft Hatch! (P.S. I'll be launching my latest zine!) And I'll also be visiting Sydney for a super short trip and of course, attend Leeloo's 'Once Upon' exhibition opening night! I have four drawings in that show, along with 37 other wonderful artists!
And, after all these arty crafty adventures, I'll be off to Singapore to spend time with my family and friends for three months before returning to Melbourne to make more art!
For Always and Ever group exhibition, curated by (and featuring) Dawn Tan, opens tonight at Off The Kerb in Melbourne and runs until November 6. Visit 66B Johnston St, Collingwood, or www.offthekerb.com.au.
To visit Dawn Tan's blog, go to http://hand-made-love.blogspot.com/.
Lee Tran, deputy chief sub-editor
4 comments:
Oh I LOVE these works! Have always been a huge fan of text on art, and these words are so sweet xx
I like the picture which the three children - are those lollies on their hats?
Hello! Thanks rubyandjoy for your sweet comment! And to Little Design Horse, the picture with the three children, those were confetti bits painted in : )
Thankyou Little Design Horse :-)
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