What do you do? I’m painter. I mainly paint still-lifes featuring animals, insects, flora and shiny objects. I use oil paint because of its capability to conjure beautiful textures like opalescence, glass and fur. I like to explore ways to blur the lines between reality and the artificial.
When did you get into it? I think I’ve always made things. I was a crafty child… in a good way. I really got into painting more seriously though just before I applied to uni. The course at the School of Art opened my eyes to all the complexities of the art world, and introduced me to the genres in art that I now love.
Who or what influences you as an artist? I am fascinated by nature and the lives of different creatures. I think life is mysterious, and I enjoy imagining what existence would feel like as another creature. David Attenborough is my hero. He has such a regard for nature, not to mention an incredible whispery narrator voice. I also love still-life paintings from the 17th Century Dutch era. They are like magic shows in painted form, recreating nature in such a juicy and glamorous way.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Winning the QANTAS Foundation Encouragement of Australian Art Award, which I used to travel to the Peruvian Rainforest and Galapagos Islands this year.
What are your plans for the future? My solo exhibition titled Unexpected Guests is going to be on show from December 2 to 12 at CCAS Manuka, you should come along! Not sure what’s next as yet… I would like to spend a long period of time making a new series of paintings.
What makes you laugh? The ridiculous scandals ensuing daily on the Bold and the Beautiful - will Ridge get back with Taylor after Brooke’s outrageous scandal? Glamorous 80s clothes, dramatic hairdos, Kath and Kim… lots of things.
What pisses you off? People who are rude to service staff - it’s just no good.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? I think we have a great local scene. It’s just the right size to be close knit, which is great for the word to get around about things, and there’s a really supportive atmosphere here.
What are your upcoming exhibitions? Did I mention an excellent exhibition coming up at CCAS Manuka…?
Contact info: tiffany_joy_cole@hotmail.com
