Willy (Wilamina) Russo

@nk_nk_

www.nicolerenaekelly.com

How many of us run towards something we don't know how to do?

I would say for the most part, we run in the opposite direction! But for NSW South Coast based artist Nicole Kelly, it's a major driver in her painting. Her desire to paint subject matter she is quite sure how to tackle, is what keeps her interested.

It also means she has that elusive career that is built across different genres.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

Nicole states that painting is life for her. And when you hear about her dedication and approach to her practice, you really see it is. Nicole also runs workshops and retreats so if you like the sound of learning under her, head to her website and sign up to her mailing list.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

Head over to  wilaminarusso.com to book a one-on-one mentoring session and sign up to the monthly newsletter, Mentor Musings, artists are talking about. 

@artandculturejournal

Alan Cruickshank the third was born to ideally take over the family publishing business in Adelaide from his father, Alan Cruickshank the second. Alan the third had other plans - he found the art world.

Throughout Alan's career in the art world, he has spent time as an artist, a curator, he also held a leadership role for 15 years as the Director of The Contemporary Art Centre for South Australia and most interestingly, he was a key player in building a bridge between Australia and the South East Asia and Middle East art communities.

Today, Alan is the Editor of the globally respected art journal di'van. Returning somewhat to his families publishing roots! 

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, Alan and I talk about:

Alan has a sense of adventure combined with getting a bit of a kick out of stirring the pot. Throughout his career he has looked to challenge his audience or colleagues or peers, and invite conversation for a richer outcome.

I loved hearing more about his work and I'm sure you will too.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@messengerartadvisory

www.messengerart.org

Jane Messenger is the founder and director of Messenger Art Advisory.

Jane works with clients ranging from large corporations, high net worth individuals and more recently emerging collectors, helping to bring rigour to their art buying experience.

You see Jane spent over a decade working at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Some of her projects involved heading to the Tate in London, overhauling the hanging of the gallery collection and working closely with world renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini.

It's Jane's institutional knowledge and expertise combined with her qualifications as a professional valuer, that make her such a trusted advisor.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, among many things we talk about:

Jane is knowledgeable, experienced and just so warm. 

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@fionaverity

www.fionaverityartist.com

You may know my guest this week for a variety of reasons.

You may know her distinctive drawings of interiors and objects captured with vigour and life; she may have taught you in one of her much loved art classes on Sydney's Northern Beaches; or maybe you've tuned in to the wildly entertaining and engaging ArtW**k podcasts.

My guest this week is the Sydney based, UK born artist Fiona Verity.

Fiona was drawing long before she and Julie Nicholson were chatting with Australia's great artists.

Sketching for Fiona is like breathing for the rest of us. Essential. Life affirming. With a sketch book in one hand and a pencil in the other, Fiona can be on a walk, waiting at the shops, sitting in her car, anywhere really, sketching the world around her.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, among many things we talk about:

Fiona is everything you expect and more! Funny, generous and high energy. We often hear Fiona's voice but it's rarely talking about her work and life, so I am really excited to bring you this episode.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@matthewquick

www.matthewquick.com.au

Buckle in. This week's episode is a wide ranging conversation about travel adventures, creativity, and among other things, how the Playboy bunny got its name.

I'm serious! My guest this week is Melbourne based painter Matthew Quick.

What you are going to realise about Matthew is that he loves a good story. Throughout his life of traveling in his earlier years, Matthew has been under gunpoint by local authorities, gone underground mining in South America with explosives tied to him, and found himself in London in a recession.

The multi award winning and finalist listing artist has lived a life and then some.

Matthew's paintings look to comment on the absurdity and complexity of times. His 2022 show at Nanda Hobbs titled the Mirror Electric was a fabulous example. Life like statues painting on to reflective aluminium adorned with some kind of filter you mind find on a smartphone. On first glance you might just think it tongue in cheek. And it is, but there is so much more depth to it.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

how's Matthew's father's financial position growing up impacted his career direction

how a lecturer Matthew had in his 20s had a life long impact on him,

some of the amazing travel stories Matthew has,

and how he comes up with the many ideas he has for his art.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced Willy Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists ranging from their first year of practice through to award wining 20 plus year career artists, helping them figure out the right next step.

If you're looking for help navigating the next step of your artistic practice, book a session via wilaminarusso.com

@lwengemboart

www.lwengembo.com

I want you to imagine this.

You're in your early 20s, you've grown up in a big close family. You're a budding artist and have been accepted to speak at a symposium in Paris. You've never flown overseas before and your mum's not that keen on you going, but she knows its important to you, so she lets you go.

Your trip has a layover and in that layover, you find out your visa paperwork hasn't been approved and you actually can't fly on to Paris.

This is exactly the situation Papua New Guinean artist Lesley Wengembo found himself. Stranded in Sydney, not really knowing anyone other than a few facebook friends. Unsure of what to do next.

Lesley ended up staying in Sydney, studying at the National Art School and becoming one of the rising stars of the hyper-realist movement.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

Lesley is an absolute delight and joy to speak with and I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy Russo. Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists ranging from their first year of practice through to award wining 20 plus year career artists, helping them to figure out the right next step for their artistic practice. If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@graingergallery

www.graingergallery.com

This week's show starts with a love story. A love story built on food, art, wine, and now a gallery.

Joining us on the show is Canberra based artist and gallery owner, Kacy Grainger. Kacy and her husband Richard met at art school in the 90s. She was studying art, he was studying art history and curation, and together after graduation they flew off to explore Europe.

Fast forward a decade or two, and there's been a wedding, a couple kids, seperate creative careers, and now a gallery.

Grainger Gallery opened in Canberra on the east coast of Australia in early 2020, just as the pandemic was settling in. Despite the timing, the gallery has gone from strength to strength, showing one of the most exciting and eclectic suites of artists. 

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist, Kacy and I talk about:

Listening to Kacy speak about how art is a family affair and the passion they all have for it, it's no wonder the gallery has been such a success.

Enjoy meeting the amazing Kacy Grainger.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. If you're looking for help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today at www.wilaminarusso.com

@andreahuelinartist www.andreahuelin.com

Cairns based artist Andrea Huelin owes a failed job application for becoming a full time painter. 

Andrea works on the ethos of pushing yourself and putting yourself out there. An attitude that saw her exhibiting in the Cairns Regional Gallery, which is where James Dorahy who was working with the Michael Reid group at the time saw her work. James was so impressed he posted it to Instagram,  where Michael Reid saw Andrea's work and commented. Which is when Andrea put herself out there again and messaged back to Michael. 

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist Andrea and I talk about a range things including:

Enjoy meeting the delightful Andrea Huelin.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. If you're looking for help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today at www.wilaminarusso.com

@ger.wyn www.gerwyndavies.com

From his early days of stealing a housemates sewing machine and watching Good Morning Australia, to now collaborating with global luxury brand Hermes, Gerwyn Davies has come a long way.

His photographic works are layered in skill and creativity. Not only does Gerwyn take the picture. He is the model, the costume designer, the fabricator and also the set maker. A Spotlight frequent flyer, Gerwyn uses everything from sequins, to plastic plates, to upholstery foam to craft his costumes.

And such is the construction of his costumes, that it’s not uncommon for Gerwyn to find himself contemplating whether or not he can breathe.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about the different skills involved in his work and how they layer together in the overall creative process; how over the years he has continued to focus on consistently showing up and doing the work and success has followed; some of his more interesting material choices and what it was like shooting in situ in Japan.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

If you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today.