The Science of Art ? Or the Art of Science ?

Visual Gluttony takes a walk on the wild side with avid nature artist, Riona Twomey Tindal.

VG : Thanks for chatting with us today Riona. You have an obvious passion for the natural environment - flora and fauna. What is it that draws you in ?

RTT : I grew up camping and hiking with my family and friends, and I often explored on my own at the Myall National Park as a child. Watching lots of documentaries also fuelled my passion. The flora and fauna are amazing, they beg to be observed, studied and understood. I often go bush and find a spot, sit quietly and wait. When the fauna appear, I observe...It's like meditating.
Frogs are one subject I chose to study simply because it is a very misunderstood animal - people seem to think (generally speaking) that all frogs are green ! As an interesting side note, there are 230-240 species in Australia alone, and they're all different! They are both difficult to study and easy to observe.

VG : So this love of the outdoors led you to your drawing ? How did you become so proficient ?

RTT : It is not my first love, actually ! Way back in 1987, circumstances found me studying fine arts, and it was there I discovered I had a talent for drawing.....but my first love is science.

VG : Can you describe your creative process ?

RTT : It varies, depending on what I'm doing. If I'm working on a photograph, I tend to work from instinct. I don't stage my photography, I prefer the challenge of capturing that "perfect" shot that comes seemingly out of nowhere.

Illustration, being a different beast, is a more deliberate process that requires a lot of focus and motivation. For me it is very methodical, not creative. My creative outlets are what I term "free" drawing, or painting - either working from a photograph or just my imagination. But always, along this incomplete, 20-year journey through my art, colour is singularly what excites and inspires me.

VG : So you find colour inspiring, but what would you attribute your creative drive to ?

RTT : The search for an escape helps - but really the research for my PhD is driven by a desire to help and guide people wanting to study frogs so I do the very meticulous process of stippling after pencil sketching these frogs. Photography remains my tool for spontaneous expression - I don't know why I don't show my work, but then again they are just for me. I love them. I print and collect them and they're in my boxes at home - perhaps one day they will be on walls.

VG : If you had any advice to offer other emerging artists looking to follow a similar path to your own, what would you tell them ?

RTT : Try everything, do not live in a vaccuum. If you are feeling like it is too much work, try something else until you feel the connection and passion ! I have done a Certificate of Fine Art, Assoc Dip of Fine Art, Certificate of Advanced Drawing, Bachelor of Visual Arts, Advanced Dip of Graphic Design, Bachelor of Natural History Illustration, BNHI with Class 1 Honors, and currently am doing my Phd in Design (in natural history- scientific illustration). It's all about finding where your passion lies, then pursuing it.

VG : How much of an asset/hinderance is your deafness to your art?

RTT : Deafness - yes a big pain if you're attending a regional university, and interpreters are few and far between. No cued speech transliterators - especially in science subjects, which I am very much inspired and stimulated by more than anything ! And Aulsan is a visual language - science is not a visual subject ! When I complete the PhD I will have to think about doing Hons and Phd in environmental science in a uni where there is cued speech transliterators (rare these days).

Finding frogs in the wild is difficult, but I have risen to the challenge with the amazing support of friends who accompany me and find the frogs by echolocation !

Deafness in any setting presents many challenges, but I am a strong person and I get by very well. I have won awards, medals etc, and token as these may be, they provide an affirmation that deafness is not a barrier unless you let it be.

VG : Well said. Are there any other art forms that you indulge in ?

RTT : Yes, definitely ! Watercolour, oils, arcylics, illustration, freehand drawing, mosaics, photography, design, and scultpure. Even drawing up plans for a house or garden - these can be taken to a professional architect/landscaper, often saving a bundle and the professional drawings come back pretty much what I've designed freehand ! I get a lot of good feedback, which is important for anyone putting anything they've created into the public forum.

My biggest passion is colour in any form of art media. I am experimenting with fabric art and buttons at the moment - a good creative outlet compared to the heavily disciplined scientific illustration (which was largely self taught, as my course taught only basics and then you were expected to develop skills on your own after the premlininary ground work was done).

VG : Why do you love to draw frogs so prolifically ?

RTT : Frogs came to my attention when I visited a friend's mother who was doing a Phd on the breeding behaviour of a species called Red Crowned Toadlets. I was so inspired by that and the fact the mother was in her late 40's and didn't let it stop her from starting her degree later in life.

Frogs are a misunderstood and unknown species. The current field guide doesn't offer much by way of a visual guide as it is a heavily text based book. It was lost to a lot of students learning about frogs. Here is an extract from the abstract of my degree. Hopefully it will give you an idea about why I concentrate on frogs, please read on (taken from my Degree work) :

Abstract Proposal:

The aim is to develop the most comprehensive visual field guide to the frogs of New South Wales. Currently, available information on species identification is inadequate and lacks detail that distinguishes the key features of frogs from each other. The information that is available to inform my project is limited to scientific publications and a small number of field guides. I propose to create a practice-led, research based project to use a combination of written information, photographs and illustrations to distinguish similar species and their unique characteristics clearly.

The objective is to provide the reader, either amateur or professional, with the necessary knowledge to determine what traits are exclusive to a single species. The project undertaken focuses on identifying the key features of the amphibians and then illustrating the species. In the conclusion of the degree, there will be a collection finalised of 89 amphibian species found in New South Wales, and the key features supporting the descriptive identification of each species illustrated in a style accepted by scientific standards.

So I am driven by that. I would like to form a bridge between science and art like Leonardo da Vinci did !! What a genius ! Albert Einsten also could draw but not much is known about that. Great scientists drew in the old days before photos, and the skill of observation is just so inspiring - communicating what they studied onto paper.

VG : Wow. Sounds like a lot of work, but also sounds like you have the passion and drive to succeed ! What visually stimulates you ?

RTT : That's easy. How an object is communicated in colour, form and expression in any media.

VG : And finally Riona, what are your hopes for your future as an artist ?

RTT : I hope to set up a studio where students can come and study anything that I am teaching as a hobby, or on a serious level - whatever they choose. I also want to combine my science knowledge with art as well. I am currently teaching at a private studio, concentrating on mosaics and eventually leadlight, painting, and of course drawing !

I would be happy if I am a successful visual communicator in any form - science, art, story telling....I have also completed a course in Childrens' Book Illustration where Shaun Tan inspired me ! His books are wonderful !

I could go on forever explaining my journey, but it is incomplete and neverending ! One day I would dearly love to follow John Wolseley and go bush and illustrate what I see, feel, hear, smell, and observe !

VG : Thankyou Riona. It has been wonderful chatting to you. The Glutton wishes you every success for all your future endeavours !

If you'd like to take a look at Riona's work, or want more information about how to buy one of her drawings, please make contact through enq@pdprovisual.com.au, and the Glutton will forward on your details.

The Glutton Feeds On Itself !!

Visual Gluttony is interested in all things visual. Not only does the Glutton research, it creates as well....with a guest interviewer (who has asked to remain anonymous), the Glutton reveals its expressive side....

Anon : Well Glutton, I know this is your first published piece. I've read it. Knowing a little bit about your personal background, I understand the emotion behind it. Can you tell us how this book came about ?

VG : That I can. I have always been a writer. I am also essentially a shy person, so writing is the perfect vehicle for me to openly express myself. I have always had a love of the dynamics that take place between what is written and the reader. As we know, the power of the written word lies not with the author, so the challenge as a writer is to interest readers, and to hopefully have the message you're sharing be understood in the manner you had originally intended.

As someone who also has a deep love of visual stimulation, I am also very drawn to photography (in particular). To look at an image of something real, natural, and have it "touch" you is an amazing experience. As the old saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words"...but in the same way that the reader has the power in written communication, so too does the viewer in visual communication.

So when it came time to unleash my work on the world, I thought to myself, why not combine the writing with photographic images ? I had had some feedback about my poetry, and it was encouraging. Words like "strong", "emotive", "powerful" were being flung at me. Reflecting on these, I had wondered how accessible my poetry was to those who may not have a strong grasp of English. I wanted a way to support my words so that my intended messages were more likely to be understood....and "The Tempest In My Eden" was born !

Anon : Awesome idea ! So now that it has been published, what has the feedback been like ?

VG : Interestingly, it has been mostly women who have jumped right in and read it. And every one of them has made the comment that the combination of the poetry and photos has given them goosebumps ! I think what resonates most with the women who have read "Tempest" is the emotion - and that is exactly what I had hoped for.....PHEW !

Anon : Discuss for us the process of choosing the "right" image for each piece of poetry.

VG : Well, first up, it's exhausting ! Lol. My aim was to choose very simple, strong images. I knew I didn't want what I term "visually literal" representations of my poems. I wanted images that connected, yes, but I also wanted them to give the readers a point from which their own imaginations could flow.

For example, "Breathless". Such a short piece. I wanted to create that feeling of lightness you can sometimes experience when you love someone who just lifts you skyward simply by being in your life. I think that was achieved by the use of light clouds, and soft, sunset colours.

Anon : It is only my humble, lay-person's opinion, but I found the book mesmerising. I read it over and over. I think you've done some great work with this first offering. Will there be any more ?

VG : Absolutely. I have quite a stash of poems with potential, lol. I've already secured my visual collaborator for the second book, and a first draft of possible written inclusions. My aim with the next one will be to shock, and hopefully it will be out by/for 2012.

On another note, I have had one of my poems, "Girl On Train" developed into short films by two independent film makers, one of them having screened in 2010 at Kino Syndey. I am currently negotiating for "Girl On Train" to be included in Phillip Debs ProVisual's youtube channel. Hopefully it will be available to view sometime this year - when it is, I'll let you know !

Anon : Can't wait to devour the next course ! Do you see this work as having potential for monetary reward ?

VG : Sure, why not. I have never written with the intention that I am producing work to sell. However, if my work was read by someone who could turn it into something with financial gain, then of course I'd be all for it ! But to be honest, I have only ever written for ME. To express thoughts and emotions I could not otherwise release. And who knows, if someone wanted their wedding album accompanied by some beautiful words, then perhaps I'm the one to do it ! Or if Hallmark greeting cards need someone, they can give me a call - ha ha. No matter what, I will keep writing for me, and sharing my passion.

Anon : We're glad to read that. And knowing you as I do, there's plenty more you've got up your sleeve. Keep writing, keep creating, keep sharing. The entree was very tasty, bring on the degustation !!!


If you'd like to take a look at the ebook, head on over to - http://issuu.com/pdprov/docs/the_tempest_in_my_eden

For anyone interested in seeing more of Phillip's work, take a look at - http://www.pdprovisual.com.au/

Both poet (Noreen) and photographer (Phillip) are contactable via email - enq@pdprovisual.com.au

Seasoned Art

Visual Gluttony interviews Autumnal artist, Tony Nicholas.


VG : Tell me, Tony, what drives you to create ? Why do you create the things you do ?

Tony : What drives me to create is the same as what drives many artists to create - the desire to express myself. By expressing myself I will mark my mark on the world, and being creative allows me to work my personal "stuff" out constructively.

VG : Where did your involvement in art, just generally, begin ?

Tony : I have always loved art. Back in high school art was one of my favourite subjects and from there I went on to art school - Sydney College of Arts - where my focus was Visual Arts, majoring in painting.

Along with that I had a love for reading and the written word, moreso than performance, which many people thought I was well suited for - acting.

VG : So why is painting the art form you love best ?

Tony : Really I feel my forte is the written word and the still image (that is painting along with photography). I say these two things probably because I find I can express myself completely without any regard for anyone else, and they are something I can do without the help of others to create them.

VG : Well, I've seen you sign songs - you exude feeling, and it's easy to see your passion - ever thought of performing in that genre ?

Tony : Yes, I have thought of it, but I'd much prefer the production of it than the performing....but there's no deaf Suzi Quatro to the best of my knowledge !

VG : You could always be the first....The manner in which you express yourself when sign singing is very infectious. What process do you take yourself through to translate the lyrics into the visual ?

Tony : Thankyou for the compliment. I love rock. Part of the translation is understanding the culture of the music and meanings behind the songs I choose. It's not simply because something is upbeat and infectious and good to move to, it's the message it holds as well.

For example, when I perform "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" by Aretha Franklin, towards the end when she sings "Ooh with your respect...etc" I sign it to say "Damn your respect - I don't need it !" To do something like that, you really need to comprehend the lyrics and their intent. I must add that my greatest passion is for songs with lyrics relating to liberation and freedom, songs about forgiveness and redemption - which contrast with my love of rock.

To add to this, I know a very big part of art is experiencing the pleasure of it, be that through song, theatre, reading...anything. Performing in the manner that I do is a great medium to perhaps expose people to something new and introduce them to new ideas about communication.

VG : Speaking of performance, in other conversations we've had, you've mentioned the character "Mephisto", who will be visually introduced through your upcoming photoshoot. For those readers unfamiliar with this character, describe who Tony's Mephisto is.

Tony : My Mephisto is a man : M-A-N, man. For me, Mephisto originally was a larrikin who morphed into a devil-type character, who is driven to make people aware they have choices....AND that choices have consequences. I actually did not create him with the thought that one day I would give him a visual representation.

I see Mephisto as a Dorian Gray type figure - he is old, but never ages. I imagine him wearing Johnny Cash type attire, guitar slung over his shoulder. He is a very mascualine character, yet you can't pin down his sexuality. The upcoming photoshoot will be an opportunity for me to get into Mephisto's skin, so we'll see how that turns out.

VG : Mephisto sounds like a very strong character. Why did you create him in the first place ?

Tony : There was a time when I was utterly enamoured with Bette Middler and her character , “The Divine Miss M”. I decided that I wanted an alter ego, and at first this turned out to be a camp “Divine Mr T” (T for Tony), lol. I grew tired of that character, and wanted something more masculine. I love the Australian sense of humour – that sardonic, dry wit (think Doug Anthony Allstars) – and out of this Mephisto emerged.

VG : The Glutton will be sure to follow you up later in the year to meet Mephisto and the family, lol. Good luck Tony, and thanks for your time.

If you'd like to contact Tony for ventures in all things visual - from website creation to artistic production, go to his website : http://visualinstincts.com/

And if you are interested in taking a look at another of Tony's ventures, visit :

http://professionaldeaf.com.au

Photo used with permission of Michelle Legg Photography.

All Things Bright And Beautiful.

Yes, yes, it HAS been a while, hasn't it ?! And I KNOW I said I'd talk about all things burlesque, but I'm yet to collate my thoughts on that, so another film review it is.

ATBAB was a 2009 entry into Sydney's week-long Kino Kabaret, and most recently screened at "Jurassic Lounge" at the Australian Museum. Taking the world renowned 1848 words written by Cecil F. Alexander, the participants of Kino Kabaret give their rendition of this classic hymn in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

What I enjoyed most about this short was being a participant myself, albeit behind the scenes. Watching the involvement of the participants - from all walks of life, with varying degrees of proficiency in Auslan, and some who carry other "disabilities".

To witness the joy on their faces, then see that captured through the uncomplicated process of point, shoot, edit was uplifting.

Mr Debs once again found a poignant coupling of words and images. The viewing may be simple, but the message is profound. However, and is usually his way, Debs has added his own cheeky twist to the lyrics - see if you catch it.

There is not much else to say about this short except that look once, you see the familiar. Look twice, you see the simplicity. Take a third look, you just might see the message.

To view this, and more short films from Phillip Debs ProVisual, head to his channel on youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/phillipdebs, or visit his website : www.pdprovisual.com.au

Enjoy.