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.