October 24, 2016
INTERVIEW | ROSS LAURIE
Australian artist Ross Laurie has been around the world - in the pursuit of art - but in the early 1990s he came full circle when he returned to his family farm in Walcha, NSW. It is from here that he paints the landscape of the property on a tract of land in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, between Tamworth and Armidale. While Ross paints, he also works on the sheep and cattle farm that has been in his family for a couple of generations. Ross studied at various art schools, starting off at the Sydney College of the Arts in 1982 and detouring at one point to St Matins School of Arts in London. He has had several solo shows in Sydney and Melbourne. His latest exhibition is on at King Street Gallery until November 5.
Which five words best describe you? I’m told I’m - Articulate, dedicated, impatient, interested, considered.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Art school in Sydney 1979 because of an interest in art history. Studied in the UK looked at painting in Europe and America. Still painting, still looking.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Painting badly is just as important as painting well.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Still painting after 35 years and still excited to be in the studio.
What’s been your best decision? Marring my wife who saved me from myself.
Who inspires you? The whole history of Western painting and indigenous Australian painting.
What are you passionate about? Always the next show.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Sonny Rollins.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I would like to be a good painter.
What are you reading? John Berger.
images courtesy of ross laurie and king street gallery
