Episode 114 - The indefinable James Drinkwater

It's difficult to describe the work of James Drinkwater, he really is indefinable. His confidence and talent shine in his work, bold and edgy, full of energy and texture.

James was always destined to be an artist as we discovered in our chat, an aunt providing the nurturing and example to become an artist alongside a close and loving family. He won the Brett Whiteley scholarship in 2014, propelling him further into a dynamic career. He is represented by two major galleries, Nanda Hobbs, Sydney, and Nicholas Thompson, Melbourne.

'James Drinkwater studied at the National Art School, Sydney (2001) and has held solo exhibitions since 2004 in Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, and internationally in London and Singapore. A survey exhibition The sea calls me by name was held at Newcastle Art Gallery in 2019. James Drinkwater’s work has been included in group exhibitions throughout Australia and internationally in Berlin, Leipzig, and London. He has been awarded the Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship (2014), the John Olsen National Art School Life Drawing Prize (2002) and has been a finalist in the Wynne Prize, Sulman Prize, John Glover Art Prize, Paddington Art Prize, Doug Moran Portrait Prize, Dobell Drawing Prize, and the Salon de Refuses. James Drinkwater has undertaken international residencies in Germany, Kenya, Paris, and Tahiti. His work is held in the collections of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artbank, and several significant regional and tertiary collections.' He has recently embarked on a new project creating a ballet inspired by William Dobell’s, ‘Storm approaching Wangi’, to be performed at Lake Macquarie's MAP Mima in November. We cant wait to see it!  

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He also has an exhibition coming up at Nicholas Thompon in Melbourne coming up - 27 JUL TO 13 AUG.

Thanks to James for having us and Ben Adams for the Photos!