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 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.
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.
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
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.
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!!!
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
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
I love James's work. A friend of mine recently bought a piece of his and every time we go to their house i ask to sit in the living room just so I can admire it. His use of colour makes my heart sing.
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