CREATING AN INWARD LANDSCAPE
THE ARTIST SPHERE
CREATING AN INWARD LANDSCAPE
‘ Golden Orb Weaver ’ Acrylic , spray paint and charcoal on canvas 175 x 190cm
‘ Untitled ’ Mixed media on card 50 x 64cm
Al Poulet ( Artist )
Drawing inspiration from his remote bush environment , artist Al Poulet ’ s latest collection explores the transience of time , the notion of seasonal change and the diverse life cycles they encompass .
With both of his parents being artists , AI Poulet had exposure to art from a young age , which had a great influence on him growing up . His dad is also an architect , so he picked up on the ideas around space and scale from him .
“ A memory that stands out for me was visiting the National Gallery in Canberra as a teenager . I remember looking at the artworks and realising there was a way of living through art . It was a profound moment for me .”
AI Poulet started painting in school and became quite serious about it . After graduating , he went to the College of Fine Arts , now UNSW , and did an undergraduate degree , which he loved . He had a few years off , had his children , and then went back and did his master ’ s degree .
“ The way I work is very intuitive , and most of that was gleaned through experiences from my parents , and from a part-time job in a commercial gallery in Sydney where I worked when I was 18 . Being with the artists and handling their works really influenced my practice , shaping my understanding of art and life .”
Through his master ’ s degree , AI Poulet explored the performative nature of mark-making and different artists who worked that way , such as Australian artist John Peart , Belgian painter Francis Alÿs and English artist Richard Long , who combined performative art and mark-making which he studied during the course of his curriculum . His paintings are based on performance , the moment and self-expressionism .
Living and working in the bush in the Southwest of Sydney , AI Poulet draws inspiration from its natural beauty . His paintings are not direct representations of the landscape but more inward landscapes , a reflection of his emotions and experiences .
“ Webb and Flow captures the ever-changing moments of life on the fringe of society by me , a silent observer and artist . I am drawn to life - experiences with moments of clarity and seeking out places that excite my interest . Living and working in the remote bush in Dharawal country inspires and sustains my passion . Webb and Flow is also inspired by my studio and what I observe . I watch the spiders coming out at the end of summer ; their colours are amazing . They capture the time and place . Putting them onto the canvas is like a record . It hasn ’ t been an easy time with political and world events , and I am here observing life and trying to remain true to my work and roots and share that with others . Hopefully , it gives them hope and an understanding of what it is like to be an artist and its value .”
“ I want to make art that people will enjoy and want to look at . It ’ s a very personal profession , but the joy of creating something that resonates with others is immeasurable .”
Al Poulet is represented by Linton & Kay Galleries . lintonandkay . com . au