artist amelia disspain

Amelia Disspain is living proof that daily practice gets results. It is a lesson her high school art teacher instilled in her. And one she has successfully taken to heart. It embodies not just her approach to art-making, but also yoga (she is an instructor). Last year Amelia was a finalist in the Paddington Art Prize, and has exhibited in group shows at Chalk Horse Gallery, Mary Place Gallery and Australian Galleries Works on Paper. She is currently having her first major show at Mick Gallery in Sydney's Paddington. The exhibition runs until October 7.

Which five words best describe you? Passionate, impatient, intuitive, daydreamer.

How have you progressed to a career as an artist? I have been making artworks ever since I can remember. My high school art teacher was an incredible and passionate woman who encouraged us to take our artwork seriously, to make sure it was a daily practice, almost spiritual, to find inspiration everywhere, and to take good care of the finished product. I have tried to stick by that and have just kept making work.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? That, for me, inspiration comes from working, not from planning and thinking and talking, and that the best work comes when I am disciplined enough to do some every day.

What was the starting point for this exhibition? There is an Edgar Allen Poe story about a man who is commissioned by people to paint portraits of their favourite tree. That story combined with my love of old horror films and spending part of my childhood in a fundamentalist Christian community led me to the idea of making an exhibition of portraits of houses, places scarred with the energy of past events, seemingly peaceful homes with something more sinister within.

What’s your proudest career achievement? I am so proud when my work moves people.

What’s been your best decision? Studying to become a yoga instructor. Yoga has taught me discipline and focus.

Who inspires you? Passionate people. 

What are you passionate about? Feeling 

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Louise Bourgeois

What dream do you still want to fulfil? I'd like to have a big family running wild in a huge house with a door that opens to New York City, another door that opens to the beach and yet another one opening to the some amazing mountainous region. Or, finding contentment in every moment.

What are you reading? In watermelon sugar by Richard Brautigan I read it at least once a year.

images courtesy of amelia disspain and mick gallery