Sunday 2 December 2012

A LOOK INSIDE : YOSI MESSIAH - last show of the year


 YOSI MESSIAH  ||  Q&A  || DECEMBER 2012

 


Can you give us some background to how you became a visual artist?
My first memories are from age 7 where I was fascinated with cartoons. I would sit in front of the black and white TV and draw the characters. My mind would be racing with ideas on what colours to use while drawing. Still at an early age, in all forms of creativity, I would use my hands and imagination to express myself.

When first arriving in Australia I was in awe of the beauty of the landscape and light whilst traveling. I settled in Sydney where I started a jewelry business allowing me to use stones to translate this beauty and express these colours into wearable art. 


When did you start, why did you start?
While still working with Jewellery I found the need to expand my artistic process and the need to express myself on a larger scale.
It was in 1996 I started my official fine art studies at Julian Ashton School of Art and then with Sydney based artist Charlie Shead.


Where do you get your inspiration for each work from?
I find inspiration in all forms of life - be it the city and its fascinating shapes, in nature with its beauty and freedom, or looking back at the rich tapestry of history. Still I'm amazed how colour, texture and form are such a big part of my life.


Other artists that inspire you?  - Do they change overtime/ year to year?
I have found inspiration in artist such as Aida Tomescu, Michael Johnson, Michal Cusack, Adam Cullen and Fred Williams, along with the old masters.
Like Nature these inspirations change and every year I discover new artists from all form that inspire me.


Where do you paint and what is your ideal routine/ daytime… or night owl
I paint in my studio and am defiantly a day person; I find that this is when I can work with the most energy.


What is your painting process, colours, layers and movement seem to be key processes, can you tell us about this?
My painting process is very energetic and labor intensive. In this body of work ‘Colour Spill’ there are four main elements

Be it the starkness of white or the vibrancy of a colour, establishing the background is the first process. The second is what I call the ‘action’ process, layering colours, mixing mediums of oils and varnishes on the surface creating shape and form. What’s considered as the core or heart of the work.
Process three is where the movement and expressive line work comes in. Fluid paint is put above the colourful shapes below; creating a sense of vibration.
The finale stage is where all my early training comes through. Using a small brush I create marks that allows the symphony to start and bring all the stages together.


How did you arrive at the title of this current show?
'Colour Spill' is reflective of the paint that flows and moves on the canvas.


View exhibition


Yosi Messiah‘s ‘Colour Spill’ is on display from 1-12 December at Richard Martin Art, 
98 Holdsworth Street, Woollahra.  Enquiries 9327 6525.