Art/Work Interview with Mitch Cairns
Art/Work is a new series where we take some time out to chat with our local creatives in an attempt to unravel the daily grind behind being an artist.
Art/Work is a new Concrete Playground series where we take some time to chat with our local creatives in an attempt to unravel the daily grind behind being an artist. First cab off the rank is Mitch Cairns, a Sydney-based artist represented by BREENSPACE. He is also one quarter of the now defunct collaborative group, Cosmic Battle for Your Heart. He can also play the drums.
Most days you'll find me in a bit of a jam, I'd very much like to be in the studio, but being an adult is difficult and most days lately I'm either at accruing pennies or…
When I am not there I am working on the next batch of paintings. Painting, for me, is a tricky problem and generally involves 'filling in' the frame with an image of some sort. In order to keep painting, I set up a few hooks to work out from. Currently I've been looking a lot at cartooning, straight up and down visual gags that generally involve the tragedy of going bald. After combing over this material I then go through a process which includes a night of heavy carbs, waking, stretching, keeping up fluids and eventually setting off on a light jog.
My day job is at Oxford Arts Supplies, I work with good people, I get to peruse the store, at times, like a guest.... It's great, I could be digging holes right now.
Like all job you've got to turn up to be paid.... this isn't a problem for me really, but I am seeking a double, anybody that fits the type of 'chubby greyhound' should apply here. Working in an art supply house is fine, the discounts aren't wild but they're helpful. In fact I work with some really awesome artists.... so yes it is quite a stimulating place to work.
If money wasn't an issue I'd have a beer in the fridge.
Being an artist/musician in Sydney is very tight right now. But I would never leave for any great deal of time. I have entertained moving to New Zealand, I mean our house is being bent over soon, we gotta live somewhere.
My neighbourhood is currently in Rozelle, I am peninsulated. There is in fact a whole bunch of really excellent artists that live on the peninsular, its a very nice neighbourhood.
Best kept Sydney secret Balmain Star. It's a pho joint in the Balmain Plaza, very simple, cheap, delicious food. I'm not sure why you'd ask me about hip Sydney secrets thou? Isn't that your job to tell us? I'm a mild mannered and sometimes awkward guy, I got no secrets..... good afternoon.
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