August 01, 2008
artist kate dorrough
Don't these paintings make you want to go on holiday? I don't think I've had that experience with a work of art before. Not in that specific way. Yes, I could definitely see myself under the broad skies of a Greek island. For now, of course, I'll have to settle with admiring the work of Kate Dorrough, who is currently exhibiting at Arthouse Gallery in Sydney. Enjoy!
What five words best describe you? Passionate, determined, thoughtful, a romantic with a silly sense of humour.
What's your proudest achievement? Maintaining my art practice and meeting the love of my life.
What was the starting point for this exhibition? I worked on the drawing team on an archaeological dig in Greece and travelled to Greece on two other separate occasions. It was the quality of space, light and the sea, along with the beautiful simplicity of the shapes of ancient Greek vases that I hoped to capture and express in these works.
Who inspires you? I am inspired by a diverse range of artists, from Philip Guston to Morandi. The work in this current exhibition was inspired in particular by the freedom and painterly vigour of the American artists Richard Diebenkorn and Jim Dine. I am also inspired by my friends and partner!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about the act of painting, creating layers of paint and colour allowing the process of painting to find its own resolution.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Follow what you believe in and do what you love.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? The artist, Lloyd Rees
What are you reading? Matisse the Master by Hillary Spurling, and the latest of my favourite magazines, The World of Interiors.
Images courtesy of Kate Dorrough and Arthouse Gallery.