One of Australia’s premier artists, his paintings often take the form of a memento mori – a reminder of our mortality – with detritus strewn across the landscape to remind us of what is left after life has moved on.

He has been painting for over 50 years and in 1968 was the youngest artist ever to win the Sulman prize at 19 years of age. He has since won the Sulman a second time and has been awarded the Archibald Prize, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and Archibald Packing Room Prize. His work is held in most Australian national and state art institutions and in private collections across the world.

He has exhibited in dozens of solo shows including a stunning survey show in 2011 at S.H.Ervin Gallery, was a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW for most of the 90s and has been awarded a member of the Order of Australia for service to the arts.

He’s also known for being forthright and at times controversial and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him at his historic home in Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

We talk about finding one’s voice, his friendships with John Olsen and Brett Whiteley and he talks of the aftermath of Whiteley’s death – he was the person the police called to identify Brett Whiteley’s body –  as well as his views on the Archibald and post modern art (not all positive!).

To hear the podcast interview press play below the above feature photo.

Scroll down for video of Maria Stoljar talking with Storrier in his home and studio.

Above photo of Tim Storrier by Gary Grealy Photography