What do you do?
I make obsessively detailed drawings of soldiers, birds and plants.
When did you get into it?
I started focusing on drawing around three years ago. Prior to that I’d made very large minimal sculptures, but felt I needed to reinvent myself as an artist.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
I’m very influenced by writers. My current work draws on Hemingway, Cormack McCarthy and David Malouf. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my students – I teach at a high school and the School of Art in Hobart.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
In 2005 I was awarded the Rosamond McCulloch residency at the Cite des Arts Internationale, Paris, by the University of Tasmania. I lived in Paris for six months and it was a really formative time for me as an artist.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to make increasingly elaborate and ornate drawings, and am planning to focus on the eccentric flora and fauna and dark underbelly of my surroundings in Tasmania. I’d also like to try my hand at illustrating stories.
What makes you laugh?
Steve Coogan, particularly as Tony Wilson in the excellent film about the Manchester music scene 24 Hour Party People.
What pisses you off?
Blunt pencils.
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
It’s only my second showing in Canberra, but so far I’ve really enjoyed the passion evident in local exhibition go-ers.
What are your upcoming exhibitions?
My solo show with Beaver Galleries All the Bright Company of Heaven (Thursday August 25– Tuesday September 13), and an exhibition at the University of Tasmania Gallery in October titled Unnatural.
Contact info:
My website, www.luciennerickard.com, or I can be contacted through Beaver Galleries, Canberra – www.beavergalleries.com.au.
