raw ink magazine – november 2012

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THE RAW INK TEAM

Roxy CoppenGraphic designer and [email protected]

www.roxycoppen.com

Ruth DunnJournalist.

[email protected]

Liana TurnerJournalist and photographer.

[email protected] www.liana-anitra.tumblr.com

Cover design by

Roxy CoppenFACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/rawinkmagazine

TWITTERwww.twitter.com/rawinkmagazine

Hello Readers,

We have some great stories lined up for you in this issue - Liana was privelged to attend this year’s Island Vibe Festival and report all the news back to you! Ruth caught up with our Tshirt Comp winners Chris and Jackson to find out more about their work.

If you know of any creative events happening in your local area, or would like to contribute to the magazine, feel free to send us an email to:[email protected]

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on our Twitter-tweets.

We’ll see you next month.

From,

The Raw Ink Team xx

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contents‘ Chit Chat Corner withChris Doyle’Ruth Dunn

‘Chit Chat Corner withJackson Hambridge‘Ruth Dunn

‘Island Vibe Festival’Liana Turner

‘Chit Chat Corner with Lady Alchemy’Ruth Dunn

‘Hide’n’Seek with Fintan Magee’Ruth Dunn

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tshirt compwinners

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TRIPLE WHAMMY

What do you do?I just finished high school and got accepted into Griffith University. I work part time making burgers at micky D’s. In my spare time I like to draw and paint evil monsters and skate.

What’s the best song to get you motivated? At the moment anything by Basement, Title Fight, Ceremony, Trash Talk, and Code Orange Kids.

What is your favourite quote? “A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to” – Banksy

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How long have you been interested in art? Well my mum’s an artist so I’ve been surrounded by artists and creative people my whole life. I’ve always owned a sketch book since I can remember and used to draw monsters and try to make up my own comics and cartoons.

What first drew you to art? I don’t know, it’s just always something that I’ve done and that I’ve enjoyed doing.

How has this interest in art developed over time? Before recently my art was heavily influenced by other artists and I never really had my own defined style. But now I have developed my own style unique to me.

In your work there’s an interesting mix of the harsh imagery and style of Hieronymus Bosch and the whimsical style and imagery of Ghost Patrol and Barek. What is it about these artists that inspires you? Bosch has always scared but fascinated me ever since I was a kid – the detailed monsters and demons and how they tell stories and evoke a sense of mystery and confusion. I’m a big fan of the line work and the detailed yet simple style of both Ghost Patrol and Barek art works. Skinner, Alex Pardee and Jamie Hewlett have also influenced my drawing style.

What are some other things that inspire your art practice? I’m inspired by movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas and cartoons like Adventure Time and Super Jail. I’m also influenced by street art, album covers, skateboard designs and just pop culture in general.

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Can you tell me a bit about how you develop your characters? I kind of redraw previous drawings or copy other peoples work and add to them different features and bits until they become completely different to the original. But most of the time I just draw straight from my head without thinking about it too much. I’m not very good at drawing feet and bodies so that’s why my characters usually end up in holes.

What meanings, messages and themes carry throughout your artworks? My art has no real political or religious connotations. I just like to draw things that I think are interesting and to look at and sometimes disturbing. I’m not very good at expressing myself verbally so sometimes my art can be reflection of my mood.

What is the most exciting thing about winning the Devillain T-shirt competition? It’s the first competition that I’ve actually won so that makes it pretty exciting. The publicity and people noticing my drawings is also exciting. This is a great opportunity that I am very grateful for.

Where would you like to take your creativity in the future?I really have no idea; I guess I’m just going to take opportunities as they come. I don’t mind where I am or what I’m doing as long as I’m free to draw and create. It would also be great to be able to live off creating and drawing.

Want to see more? Head on over towww.christopherdoyleart.tumblr.com

To purchase Chris’ shirt, go towww.devillainclothing.com/store/product/52/chris

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TRIPLE WHAMMY

What do you do?I’m currently studying graphic design at TAFE.

What’s the best song to get you motivated?Hard question, I often find myself shuffling for ages trying to find the right song (like random song selection, I’m not cutting a rug alone in my house for hours). There is one song that, no matter what, always gets me going and that is the Theme to Rawhide – Blues Brothers. This can result in some strange train trips for me, as I tend to sing along for John Belushi’s parts shouting ‘MOVE ‘EM ON, HIT ‘EM UP’ etc. like some sort of cowboy with Tourettes.

What is your favourite quote?“F*** it dude, lets go bowling” – Jeff Goodman, The Big Lebowski.

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How long have you been interested in art? I have been drawing away for about as long as I can remember. As a kid I still remember spending ages drawing up intricate “do nothing” machines with my .5 pen, and how awesome I thought it was to draw on printer paper ‘cos you could just turn it over and bam clean page (normally I would be given envelopes or other scraps to draw on). I never studied art in high school because I hated my art teacher, and I didn’t start drawing again until I took some art courses at uni. After realising uni was not for me I started studying graphic design at Gold Coast Institute of Tafe.

What first drew you to art?I distinctly remember going to my auntie’s place at age 6 and seeing posters of Reg Mombassa’s work for the first time and being drawn to art. There were all these things that were kind of sheltered away from us as kids and suddenly there was this bike with a dick (on a side note at semi-permanent last year I met Reg and he drew me a 3-eyed dog vomiting everywhere – it’s the best thing I own.)

How has this interest in art developed over time? I was eventually drawn to comic books; specifically the works of Tony Moore and Ben Templesmith. Those two have probably been the biggest influence on my style over the last few years. Tony Moore’s work on the first book in the Walking Dead series was a major factor in my style developing from scribbles to what it is now. Ben Templesmith’s digital artwork process is

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the basis for all my works done on the computer. There is something about his rough style that I just love. As my library of others artworks grows, it inspires me to challenge myself to experiment with new works.

Your artworks often have dark or violent imagery. What is it about this kind of imagery that captivates you?I wish I could give a really deep, dark answer to this question but honestly it has more to do with my hatred for drawing pupils, lips and noses. Zombies don’t have any of these! Not to mention you get to have fun drawing guts and stuff.

Can you tell me a bit about how you develop your imagery? For me it usually starts with the right eye then I draw outwards. Then I’ll have an image of what the finished thing might look like. From there is rough as guts sketching and rubbing out as I try and coerce random surprises from the artwork. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was about not getting attached to your artwork and sometimes you need to destroy to create.

My style and artwork can differ greatly between pieces but starting with the right eye is a bit of a bad habit I have never been able to break

What meanings, messages and themes carry throughout your artworks?Sanity is for the weak.

Who or what inspires you? Right now the artists I am watching the most are Keith Thompson, Marlene Freimanis, Silvia Pelissero, Aaron Jasinski and Karl Kwasny.

What is the most exciting thing about winning the Devillain T-shirt competition?The potential to do some more work designing for Devillain.

Where would you like to take your creativity in the future?A white-walled warehouse in New Caledonia surrounded by copious amounts of drugs and hot women. Failing that, any job where I get to draw for a living.

To check out more of Jackson’s art head on over towww.facebook.com/jackson.hambridge

To purchase Chris’ shirt, go towww.devillainclothing.com/store/product/52/chris

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chit chat corner with

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chit chat corner with

ruth dunn

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Erin Lee is a jewellery designer who combines her love of colour, beauty, spirituality and imagination to create unique and striking designs. I caught up with Erin to chat about her Lady Alchemy jewellery line and inspirations.

How long have you been making jewellery?I’ve always loved making adornments for myself but professionally about 5 years.

How did you first become involved in creating jewellery?My mum is a tribal belly dancer so she was often making costumes. Beads and sparkling things filled our house. I couldn’t help but get my hands into it. Later down the track I was offered a job as a designer for a well established jewellery label, so obviously I jumped at the chance.

What did you do before you began working with jewellery?I worked within a fashion wholesaler in Brisbane. I really enjoyed being deep in the rag trade but I defiantly resonate more with jewellery and accessories.

What are the essential ingredients of a piece of Lady Alchemy Jewellery?I like to incorporate a juxtaposition of soft elegant femininity mixed with an edgy punk-rock harshness. For example I like combining glamorous Swarovski crystals with studs and spikes. I often use

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crystals like quartz, pyrite and amethyst– I really enjoy working with them and feel it gives the jewels a little something extra not purely directed at the visual aesthetic.

What are you inspired by?Too many things to list. I guess I often stumble upon things that resonate with me so I will delve into it, educating myself of its origin or inner workings. My current range The Huntress is partially inspired by facets of tribal adornments. I have always been in wonderment of primitive cultures.

What is the most valuable aspect of your jewellery line?The designs are unique and handmade with the intent to make the beholder of the jewels feel empowered enabling them to express themselves and that my products are not mass produced.

What is the process behind Lady Alchemy jewellery?The process behind the design element would be to pick a general theme or feel I want to delve into, source the components I want to use then let them, with the aid of my hands, eyes and mind, combine into the jewellery.

What has the response to your designs been like?It’s been really great. I love seeing my designs on real women walking down the street, a subliminal message of appreciation. I’m so grateful for all the support and enthusiasm towards my label.

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What’s next on the agenda?I want to create more one-of-a-kinds statement pieces with more detail. I think knowing you’re the only one out there wearing that piece is really special! I’ve also started working with leather more, creating purses, bags and eventually shoes.

To delve into Lady Alchemy head to www.ladyalchemy.com.au

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TIME THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER, 6-9PM.

VENUEBLACK BOX THEATRE -COOMERA GCIT TAFE

198 FOXWELL ROAD, COOMERA

RSVP1ST NOVEMBER 2012

[email protected]

GUEST SPEAKERCLAUDIO KIRAC

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Imagine a world where every person you pass on the street will smile and say hello. Imagine a world where those people aren’t attempting to sell you anything. Imagine a world where time is more fluid and detached from all sense of economy – where you don’t have to be anywhere, or do anything, that doesn’t take your fancy. Imagine a world where happiness is something we stumble across, not something we purchase.

The world we know today is one which is so fast-paced and consumer-driven, it’s easy to lose sight of the truly important things. A continuous string of ephemeral moments pass us by, never to be relived. Almost everyone is working towards some significant goal, whether it be to earn millions or to simply feed the kids at night. So many people are in a continuous struggle – one which leads them nowhere.

After a feverish rush to submit several end-of-semester uni assignments and a panic to get to the train station in time for the “right” train, I found myself amidst a group of strangers on the ferry to Stradbroke Island. Feeling somewhat like a packhorse and a little unsettled at camping alone for the first time, I found a seat beside a delighted German Shepherd and its owner. As the ferry meandered across the ocean, the wind picked up. Every now and then I would feel the chill of sea-spray against my warm skin. It was the most beautiful day. Finally, I had the chance to stop for a moment. Rather, I didn’t have a choice in the matter. The slow trip across the still ocean forced me to reflect on the panic which has ensued over recent days. It was then that I realised just how important Island Vibe Festival would be.

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Held annually in the world-renowned Point Lookout, Island Vibe Festival is a celebration of culture, creative nature and interconnectedness of the Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) region. The three-day event saw a plethora of musicians – from Mama Kin to Byron’s own Lifeline – play across three stages over three days. Everywhere you looked, there was something sublime, some new gem you couldn’t possibly come across in the humdrum world of everyday. Lovely ladies on stilts, a girl dancing with a half-eaten watermelon on her head – you name it.

Island Vibe was held in the park beside the gorgeous Home Beach; festival-goers had plenty of opportunity to relax in the sun and take a quick dip between acts. Groups of people – exhausted from endless dancing – sipped fresh coconuts as they took refuge in the shade.

An engaging and complex exploration of island culture through musical performances, art exhibitions, interactive workshops, circus-arts and dance, Island Vibe was an incredible platform not only for gaining understanding of different cultures, but also for gaining some perspective of your own.

Contrasted against the laidback nature of the festival, city life appears can appear chaotic, excessive and all-round unnecessary. Spending an afternoon swimming with Dolphins before seeing whatever dreamy performances your heart desires does make the everyday seem a bit bland. After all, when people live to work and work simply to survive – rather than following their dreams – the days can become merged into one stream of monotony and pointlessness.

“It’s not what you do that matters, but how you do it.” The charming musician who said this, known as Daddy Loops, was in the middle of a set which saw a stunning use of electronic looping technology.

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His performance – which lent itself to a sense of wistful contentment – certainly took his own advice. The majority of performances I witnessed were built not upon the longing for excellence or for superiority, but on a fervent passion for their music and culture.

One man of Indonesian origin told a story about how the Indigenous Australians would trade for his ancestors’ hair – renowned for its usefulness in paintbrushes. Incidentally, the man played on a guitar which had been painted with his own hair by an Aboriginal artist. This is just a hint of the many instances of cultural interconnectedness and harmony which took place during the festival – but it wasn’t just about culture. There was also a distinct sense of unity between all individuals at the festival. It was as if simply being there meant we had inexhaustible amounts of things in common.

After enduring city life for almost a year, there was an undeniable amount of relief in becoming absorbed in this almost otherworldly community – albeit somewhat briefly. Sometimes it takes another culture, another perspective, another way of life to remember that time is not money and money is not happiness. It’s astounding to come to the realisation that time is simply that – minutes and seconds built up into lifetimes. It’s not infinite – it could end for any of us at any moment.

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Hide ‘n’ Seek Project is a one year writing project that will include articles about Brisbane street and graffiti art, as well as interviews with some of Brisbane’s best street and graffiti artists. New material will be published each month exploring the Brisbane street scene and the artists that work within it.

This month Hide ‘n’ Seek is showcasing thephotography of LadyP. Head on over the page and check it out.

If you’ve spied some street/graffiti art in Brisbane and want to publish some photos or let me know where it’s at email me! [email protected]

HIDE ‘N ‘SEEKPROJECT

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RUTH DUNN

HIDE ‘N ‘SEEK:

Fintan Magee started out as a graffiti artist and is now a professional muralist. Handy with a spray can and paint brush, he combines his quick and efficient painting skills with a refined practice to create large scale wall pieces and smaller canvas works. I caught up with Fintan to chat about his art practice and recent travels.

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You’ve been a busy bee since I last interviewed you. What have been some memorable moments in your artistic practice over this past year? I guess travelling is always memorable, my time in Europe and Indonesia. Everything else is a bit of a blur but I try to stop and take in my surroundings every now and then.

Can you tell me a bit about the artworks you have done in other countries and what those experiences were like? Painting in other countries is always interesting especially when you don’t have permission. It’s harder because you need to source materials and often find yourself using public transport to get around which makes it harder to produce large work. Finding spots can also be a difficult process but it’s usually pretty rewarding

How did the locals respond? In Indonesia everyone was great, if you pick your spot right the locals will bring you food and drinks and sit down and watch you. The negative stigmas around graffiti aren’t as strong in some countries and it makes painting a lot easier.

What is the usual process behind your large wall pieces? Find a wall, put together a design, then paint. Not much more to it than that unfortunately.

What have been the main themes you have been exploring in your work lately?

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I have been expanding my subject matter a little bit; I think my work is becoming more political slowly. I guess the financial crisis has been an ongoing theme over the last few months with my downfall series. I also like to do pieces that people can look into themselves and draw something from.

Last time we spoke you mentioned that you are influenced by artists such as Connor Harrington, David Choe, ROA, escif and Brett Whitely. What is it about these artists and their work that strikes a chord with you?My strain of influence has been all over the place lately. I don’t think I am looking at those artists as much, I am really enjoying Anselm Keifer and Peter Dreher at the moment, also Paula Rego. I am trying to look at the broader spectrum of contemporary painting at the moment, not just what is happening in street art.

You seem to be pretty lucky in that your commissions tend to contain imagery and themes you like to work with. Do you have guidelines for what you agree to paint?I am trying to avoid commissions where I don’t have creative control, and my income has suffered a little lately. I am pretty over doing commercial murals. In Brisbane there is heaps of work for muralists but it’s mostly on uninspiring projects. I guess it’s about finding the right balance.

What are the freedoms and restrictions in illegal street art and legal wall pieces?I guess if you paint illegally you have more creative control and can paint what you want but time becomes a restriction.

You started out as a graffiti artist in your teens. What was the street and graffiti art scene like for you at that time? At that time it was amazing, for me it was great because everything seemed new and everything was an adventure, the city then seemed bright and colourful. Graffiti was a good hobby for me because it gave me an opportunity to think outside of the box and it took me to parts of the city I would never explore as a normal civilian. I used to love climbing rooftops and being around trains at night. I guess as you get older it becomes more normal and you lose a lot of that initial excitement.

How do you think it has changed since then? Brisbane is sterile now, it has always been a cultural backwater but Campbell Newman has pushed us into pretty grey territory. There is no point living in Brisbane if you are an artist or freethinker anymore.

Do you miss your graffiti days?Yeah I miss those days but I don’t think my life has changed that much since back then. I have just developed and matured a little that’s all.

What did you like most about being a graffiti artist? My life is never boring.

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When did you first start working legally? I started to get small commissions pretty early but I have been living off my art full time for the last three years.

Last time we spoke you mentioned that the move from graffiti art to legal work was natural and pretty easy for you. Can you tell me about this change and how it blossomed into the solid artistic career you have now? I guess it started because I was studying art in University and didn’t want to get a regular job to support myself, so I started picking up small pieces of commercial mural or design work. Over time I started to swing projects more in my direction and the affect snowballed. Professionally I am far from where I want to be but piece by piece it’s coming together.

What’s next on your agenda?I have a bunch of group shows coming up so I am just going to put my head down and get some work done. Shout out to Brisbane Street and graffiti artists- Everyone out there that does his or her thing and keeps a positive outlook gets my love.

Keen to see more? Head towww.flickr.com/photos/fintanmageeorwww.fintanmagee.com

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raw ink magazine – november 2012

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