Sydney painter Numskull is part of an exciting energetic lowbrow art scene taking place in his hometown right now. His bold shapes and vibrantly-coloured graphic artworks can be spotted on the walls of both the public park privvy and inner-city galleries, the reason the organiser‘s of international creative conference, Semi-Permanent, invited him to speak at the 2013 Sydney leg of the conference.
We asked him what he hopes the audience will get out of his talk, to which he replied, “Not sure. Maybe an insight into how the lowbrow art world works? How to run a business without knowing how to run a business?” While Numskull seemed a little unsure about the outcome of his Semi-Permanent spot, one thing the guy knows well is the Sydney street art scene – and all the peripheral elements like beer and snacking – which he helpfully guided us through below…
How important is your city to you when it comes to creating your work? In other words, how much do your surroundings feed into your work?
My surroundings effect my work in every way. For example, last year I travelled a lot to a few different countries, and my work changed dramatically. Sydney is one of the best cities in the world and the things, people and places I surround myself with always have an effect on my current process and style.
What are the best places to see art in Sydney? AND where can you find the best graffiti/street art? The best area to see street art would be the inner west; Newtown, Redfern, Marrickville etc. The best place to see graffiti is everywhere but the CBD. The best place to check out art shows would be China Heights gallery Surry Hills, and The Tate gallery Glebe.
Where do you get your art supplies?
The nearest art shop, Ashfield Bunnings or straight from Ironlak!
I tend to wander around the inner-west with my wife. Marrickville’s our new spot. So much new stuff happening around there. Also if we get the chance, we head up to the northern beaches, around Avalon way or Pittwater, and just relax.
I’m biased because my brother is involved in this place, but The Vic in Marrickville (yep, again) is my favourite place to have a beer. Massive beer garden, space for kids, a basketball ring AND a wall to paint. It’s my ideal pub.
It’s a Saturday night and you haven’t got plans: where’s the first place you think to go?
Probably to Mary’s in Newtown. I’d sit at the bar with a Bud and a Cheeseburger.
Takeaway bacon and egg roll with a large coffee down at Black Wattle Bay.
