James Drinkwater

So I've been stalking James for a long time now. I was first introduced to his work via Heath Killen. I can see about 10 of his works resting quite nicely in my house. Someone commission this man to do a mural, pronto!

I sent off a Q&A to James who was (up until recently) living in Berlin. Like a lot of people I send Q&As to, I don't hear back; they get buried in the inbox, life gets busy, it's a hard task to write about yourself etc etc - I completely understand.

It wasn't till over a year later I was researching for TEDxNewy that I came across a Karl Brandstater video that featured James (which I am trying to find to link to as it's gorgeous). "Ah, yes!", I remembered and decided to annoy James once more. Luckily he had some time on his hands to send this over.

James in the Studio

James Drinkwater

What has been your most memorable project?
This year is Berlin I worked on a number of street trash assemblage pieces which turned into quite a big project.

What would be your dream project?
A large mural commission in an incredible space.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
At a very young age I made a very clear decision to be an artist, standing by that is my greatest achievement.

Poor Boy 2009

What is your most treasured possession? 
 I don’t have one, things come in and out of ones life and its important to treasure them while they are there but equally important to let them go. Things can be so transient, money does not exist. However, If pushed, I would say my little stove top esspresso machine.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Coffee, breakfast then those long important hours painting, bashing and reveling.

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business? 
You have to get rock n roll out of your system.

Postage Paid Berlin 2010

Where do you derive creative inspiration?
Nature, the figure and other more poetic, ambiguous and abstract elements that can be dangerous to explain in a Q n A scenario. See artist statement.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment? 
Anselm Kiefer, Lottie Consalvo.

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?
Lottieconsalvo.com
planetlovesound.com
karlbrandstater.com

Mind Map 3, 2010 (mixed media)

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Cooking, drinking and collecting objects of the street with my trolley. I also don’t mind reading all Sunday and swimming whenever I am in Newcastle.

How long have you been a Novocastrian? 
Since birth and despite living in Sydney, Melbourne and Germany (current) I still really do consider myself a Newcastle boy, Its where I discovered myself, I grew up with Anne Von Beortough, Ron Hartree as influential people, How incredibly lucky I was. And always with salt on my skin, falling in love on every corner.

The Central Drama, 2011 (oil on canvas)

Newcastle in a word?
Beast

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle? 
Whatever you are into there is a strong scene and network attached to it. As a young boy consumed by art there was always something going on, incredible things everywhere.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
A tough little pumping city with that seductive coastline defining its grandier!!!

 

Long and Weary Week, 2011 (street trash collage)

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:

+ eat
Nonnas house in Tighes Hill

+ drink
Lass

+ shop 
St Vincent de Paul,
       143 Beaumont St, Hamilton
       123 Maitland Rd, Islington
       4 Church St, Mayfield
Abicus, 124 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 4929 7278
Emma Soup, 523 Hunter St, Newcastle

+ play
Merewether Baths

+ relax 
Family home

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
Karl Brandstater


Website: jamesfrancisdrinkwater.com

Shop: Damien Minton Gallery, Sydney

Todd Fuller at Back To Back Gallery

if these walls could talk from john cliff on Vimeo.

Over the week between Christmas and New Year Todd Fuller spent from 11am-5pm drawing on the walls of the main gallery at Back to Back Galleries. He photographed the drawing as he went and this will then be made into an animation to be exhibited later this year ... and the walls will have talked.

Stuart McBratney

++
UPDATE
Stuart has re-launched his Kickstarter campaign, click here to lend your support.
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So it's 2012. How did that happen?

Last year I was a little light on posts, mostly because I got busy with TEDxNewy which took place in November. (If you would like to view the talks go here).

One of the big themes that emerged from the day was SERENDIPITY. Truly, so many elements of organising TEDxNewy occurred purely by chance. One example was one Saturday in July when I was at the Ukrainian Church in Adamstown covering a series of cooking demos for Cooking From The Heart. I was talking with a person afterwards and mentioned how I was working on TEDxNewy and that I was looking for a way to have the talks filmed....without paying. This person just happened to work at TAFE and told me they'd set up a meeting with the right people to discuss their film students taking it on as a project. Sure enough TAFE came on board and did an incredible job of it.

It's true when they say that Newcastle is just like a big country town. Coming from outside I can't tell you how much easier it's made everything I want to do. From visiting the beach to organising events. Everything seems within reach here. If you need something to happen it's often the case of just putting the idea out there and somehow it will fall into place. SERENDIPITY.

I mentioned this story to the audience at TEDxNewy and at the next break a couple came to ask me about the Ukrainian cooking classes (they love varenyky as much as I do). Turns out Stuart McBratney and Julia Nalivaiko had just returned from the Ukraine and Russia filming Julia's return to the country she was born, but left to emigrate to Australia with her family when she was four years old. Sounded interesting, given my grandparents-in-law emigrated from the Ukraine to a migrant camp in Greta as a newly wedded couple after WWII. They've made a new life for themselves in Newcastle but miss their homeland no less than they did when they first arrived in Greta all those years ago.

It brought a tear to my eye to watch the teaser that Stuart has put together to promote this project which he hopes to turn into a TV series. Could you imagine what it might feel like to return to a place you were born, that you have very little memory of? To have a sense of a place, but not know where you fit in?



Just like me looking for a film crew, Stuart is looking for support to enable him to cut the series together. There's a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed, and with only a couple of days left, there's a way to go to make sure this series has a chance to be.

Let's see how far serendipity can take this.  

Stuart McBratney

Condensed CV:
Filmmaker. Musician. Not necessarily in that order.
Film: Has written and directed hundreds of tv commercials, many short films, several music videos, one tv show pilot, one feature film, and one tv series (currently in post-production).
Music: has written, produced and composed 2 albums, 1 EP, several short film soundtracks, a feature film soundtrack, and a few musical pieces for tv commercials.  

What has been your most memorable project?
Shooting my first feature film Spudmonkey was memorable, but not enjoyable. All of my previous films had been made with a tiny crew, just myself and one or two other people. Suddenly I was surrounded by 20 technicians and assistants, and everything felt completely cumbersome. So while it was eventually completed and released theatrically, I really didn't enjoy the shoot one bit. On the other hand, the shoot I just finished in Russia and Ukraine was a dream. It's a tv series called Back in the Soviet Bloc, and was shot on location in Russia and Ukraine. We're trying to raise finishing funds through Kickstarter here.  

What would be your dream project?
I've in various stages of a few projects right now, all of which are pretty dreamy. I'm now in post-production of Back in the Soviet Bloc , and it'd be a dream for it to be successful enough to warrant production another series or two, or three. The former USSR is so massive, you could spend a lifetime traversing it without seeing it all. I'd also love to play my concept album Soul Delay live. The guys in The Mischief Engine are all in different parts of the world, so a few have never even met, let alone played together. So I plan to launch another Kickstarter campaign to fund a live show. We'll probably make a film about it too, a la Buena Vista Social Club. The third dreamy project I have on the go right now is in pre-production. It's my second feature film, and is called Pop-Up. Again, I plan to raise funds through Kickstarter, and hope to go into production in the 2nd half of 2012. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Filming an entire tv series in Russia and Ukraine with a crew of two (including host Julia Nalivaiko), and shooting on a Canon 5Dm2 without a focus puller was pretty cool. It was always going to be a huge challenge, as there's nothing automatic about these cameras, but if you can pull it off, the results are stunning. I'm now pumped to shoot my next feature using this method, as I know I can do it.
Russian Kitchen - teaser trailer from Stuart McBratney on Vimeo.

What is your most treasured possession? 
The guitar I bought myself to celebrate 21 years of playing is pretty nice. It's an Almansa, hand-made in Spain, with gold-plated tuning knobs. Pretty useless I know, but that's as close to bling as I get. Generally speaking I'm not big on "stuff". I do love my book collection though, but could happily trade them in for a fully-loaded Kindle.  

What does a typical day at work involve for you? 
  The reality of running your own business is that it's mostly writing. Lots of writing, such as emails, press releases, and applications for funding programs. A more ideal situation would be to have someone employed to take care of the day-to-day business stuff, so I could concentrate on doing things I can't delegate, such as actual filmmaking and making music. Hopefully such a situation is within reach.  

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?
I'm still in the early days, having spent the last 7 years working full-time for tv networks as a commercial director. So ask me again once I've been successfully running my own business for 10 years. But should an aspiring filmmaker ask me for advice, I'd suggest they just use whatever camera they have at their disposal, and go make as many films as they can, without worrying about financial returns, pixel ratio or Youtube hits. Get ready to make heaps of mistakes, because that's how you learn. And most importantly, do it because you love it. If it isn't fun, stop doing it now, because it's an extremely arduous profession, which requires every ounce of tenacity you can muster.  

Where do you derive creative inspiration?
I love reading, I love listening to music, and I love movies. When I read, hear or watch a good one, I get really fired up to create something great of my own. The challenge is not to be disheartened by someone else's success, but to be inspired by it. When I watch an amazing film, there's usually a moment where I think, "Maybe I should make a film more like that one." But then I remind myself to be inspired to make something original, not to imitate something already in existence.  

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
Books: I'm going through a bit of a Murakami binge at the moment. Currently I'm reading A Wild Sheep Chase, one of his earlier works. Music: I'm listening to Mozart's Requiem as I type this. Also been listening to The Shins heaps. Chutes Too Narrow is genius, and reminds me of my year living in Berlin. Design: fellow Novocastrian Heath Killen is a brilliant designer. His "rebooted" classic movie posters are extremely cool. Film: Can't wait for the new PT Anderson film The Master. Til then, I'm keen to watch Hitchcock's The Birds again, as I recently stayed in Bodega Bay, the Californian town in which it was set.  

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?
For info about the latest filmmaking gear I visit www.philipbloom.net . For pop culture goodies I love www.lostateminor.com , also the work of fellow Novocastrians. For good reviews and interviews with filmmakers etc I love www.avclub.com For chuckles I love www.theonion.com and www.cracked.com  

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Fortunately my favourite things are filmmaking and music making, so that keeps me pretty busy. But I also love playing football (aka soccer), and doing martial arts (I'm a 1st Dan in Yun Jung Do). And since I live in Newcastle, it's great to pop down to the beach or the ocean baths for a swim.
Honda commercial from Stuart McBratney on Vimeo.
Honda ad filmed by Stuart in King Edward park :)  

How long have you been a Novocastrian?
Almost 3 years now.  

Newcastle in a word?
Inconceivable! (NOTE: requires the exclamation point for maximum effect)  

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
I love living near the beach, being part of a creative community on the cusp of worldwide recognition, and the fact you can drive pretty much anywhere within 10 minutes. I try not hate. Life's too short to harbour ill will. But I do miss my friends and family in Brisbane, and I do miss living in Europe.  

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
There's an amazing amour of creative energy in this town, considering its population. I know so many people here involved in amazing projects, it reminds me a little bit of Iceland. Iceland has a similar population to Newy, and yet there is an incredible number of highly respected musicians emerging from its frosty shores. So, Newcastle's like Iceland, but with beautiful beaches instead of snow-covered volcanic mountains.  

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat Ritual Restaurant 2 Austral St Nelson Bay (4981 5514)
+ drink Ice cold bear on the beach
+ shop N/A. I don't enjoy shopping. It's purely a necessity like visiting the dentist.
+ play In my studio.  
+ relax The ocean.  

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret? I was recently in Napa Valley, and they charge a least $15/person for wine tasting, sometimes twice that. Most wine tasting in The Hunter Valley is free, or $5 max. Bargain!

Website: www.mcbrat.tv
Facebook: facebook.com/sovietbloc

Roost

Reframe Newcastle / Rohan Anderson

OK, so my life has returned to something resembling my life pre TEDxNewy and with it some long overdue posts on The Novocastrian Files.

In case you didn't hear about the insanely great idea that was Reframe Newcastle you can read more about it here. Rohan Anderson is one of the talented young folk who took part in the masterclass with Stephen Dupont and it's really little wonder why he was selected. I mean have you ever seen Bar Beach carpark look this good? (below). *Sigh*

So many talented peeps in this town.



ROHAN ANDERSON

Lazy Afternoon 2 by Rohan Anderson

Condensed CV
I work full time as a Audiovisual Integration Engineer but do photography as a hobby and have become very passionate about it over the past 2 years or so.

What has been your most memorable project?
The masterclass with Stephen Dupont.

Dark Stop by Rohan Anderson

What would be your dream project?
Working on behalf of National Geographic taking landscape images around the world.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
It would have to be being selected for the Stephen Dupont Masterclass.

Flowing  by Rohan Anderson

Which other photographers, designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
Henri Cartier Bresson

Apart from your photography, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
I enjoy live music and audio.

Sydney - A World Away by Rohan Anderson

How long have you been a Novocastrian?
I was born in Newcastle.

Newcastle in a word?
Home.

Jump for Australia Day  by Rohan Anderson

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
I love that it's big enough to be a city but small enough to get anywhere in 15 minutes. I hate how the city has become so run down.

 Three Lives by Rohan Anderson

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
It's just so relaxed and slow-paced but it's still a sizeable city with many opportunities, all of that mixed with the fact it's by the beach just makes it amazing.

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat
Paul's Asian Affair (22 Alma Rd, New Lambton, 4952 5989)
Hobarts (88 Hobart Rd, New Lambton, 4935 1200)
Raj's Corner (116 Hobart Rd, Hamilton, 4962 1827)
Paymasters (18 Bond St, Newcastle, 4925 2600)
3 Monkeys (131 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 4926 3779)

+ drink
Cambridge Hotel (789 Hunter St, Newcastle West, 4962 2459)

+ shop
Darby Street, Cooks HIll
Westfield, Kotara (Park Avenue, Kotara)

+ play
Mount Sugarloaf 4WD Tracks
Glenrock Reserve

+ relax
The harbour

 Everything Will Be OK by Rohan Anderson

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret!

Website: raphotography.com.au
Blog: rohanandersonphotography.tumblr.com
Flickr: rohan3au

Reframe Newcastle / Ben Dickson

Last Monday I had the chance to get along to the Reframe Newcastle exhibit at The Roost Creative Space. It's a project which has me a little less than super excited.

The project came about when Newcastle City Council put out a tender for updated stock photos that they would use for promoting Newcastle. Rollingball Productions, a local creative agency pitched a concept a little left field that won the tender.

Rollingball's unconventional and ambitious idea was to commission Stephen Dupont to lead a 7-day masterclass with eight local emerging photographers chosen from a pool of around 50 applicants. This would provide a petri dish of style and experience to reframe Newcastle.

The group got about ticking the 80 post images in the brief but were also give free range to then include images of the City that, in each photographers own style, highlight hidden aspects and the scenes that define its character. Maybe NCC would end up using some of them.

How great is that?


With the benefit of fresh eyes and old stereotypes of a steel city linging in his mind Stephen Dopont admits his surprise at  the cafe and restaurant culture as well as the inner city art culture. "I knew about the surf and beaches but the cafe and art was a real surprise for me. There are things happening in this city."

Now that the blueprint for a project of the nature is set there is the potential to configure Masterclasses that not only offer emerging talent new and invaluable experience but also benefit local organisations and businesses achieve their promotional goals. Imagine Masterclasses on travel writing, app building, website production, street art, poetry....

  Stephen talks about the Project with some of the emerging photogs to the left.

Stephen takes answers from the floor.

 

The photos will be exhibited in an upcoming Nobby's Headland Open Day. I'll keep you posted on when.

In the meantime I have a small series of Q&As from some of the photographers that were a part of producing the images that will forever reframe Newcastle. I hope you enjoy.

BEN DICKSON
Clean Slate Media

 Ben Dickson on idyllic assignment at Newcastle Harbour

Condensed CV:
Born in Belmont, now live in Hamilton. Former graphic designer now Photographer. Big dreams.

What has been your most memorable project?
Spending time in Indonesia to photograph cockfighting events to highlight and hopefully stop such blood sports.


What would be your dream project?
Photographing the diminishing oranagatan population in Borneo

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having a chance to do this masterclass and work with such great local photographers

Which other photographers, designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
Classic photographers are always my inspiration, Sebastio Salgado, Don Mccullin and Anne Leibovitz

Apart from your photography, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Animal rights is a great passion of mine, Also Football (soccer) on a lighter note.

How long have you been a Novocastrian?
Born and Raised

Newcastle in a word?
Different

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
Old men sitting over a table will not save the city. Things need to change. I don't hate anything apart from some peoples uneducated views on the city.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
How is it the same.



Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat
Sushi Bay/ Baccus+ drink Croatian Club/ Galipoli legions
+ shop
Rad / 50-50+ play Darby Street
+ relax
My House

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
Carrington

TEDxNewy is Coming