It took Criena Court 10 years to take the plunge and go back to art school, and prioritise her dream of becoming an artist. That was after she worked as a graphic designer, art director and photographer. The decision has paid off, though. One of her works was selected as a finalist in the 2010 Sulman Prize. Currently, she is exhibiting at the Robin Gibson Gallery in Sydney's Darlinghurst until May 23, 2012.
Which five words best describe you? Playful, conceptual, hungry, ponderous, affable.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Originally I studied fashion design at East Sydney Tech. After living in London I channelled my creativity into graphic design and art direction, still knowing there was something else I was meant to do. Eventually photography led me back to the National Art School where I focused my energies on establishing a stronger momentum for my artistic practice.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Follow your instincts, but don't fret about it. If you stray from the path that is right for you, fate (or whatever you may call it) will bring you back.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Having my work selected, by Imants Tillers, as a finalist for the 2010 Sulman Prize. It was pretty exciting to have my painting hanging on the wall of the Art Gallery of NSW.
What’s been your best decision? Returning to art school after 10-plus years of debating the idea.
Who inspires you? My friends (including my partner). So many of them make such wonderful work. They feed my mind. There is nothing more inspiring than the exchange of thoughts amongst my creative and artistic friends.
What are you passionate about? The visual world.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Just one... hmm... today, the answer is John Baldessari. At a time when abstract impressionism was the “only” way, he dared to be different and forge his own path with humour and intelligence.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Being able to focus on my art full time and have it financially support that dream. The dream all artists have, no doubt.
What are you reading? For artistic theory: Wholeness and the implicate order by David Bohm. Or escapist fluff: The hunger games trilogy (shhh). For daily digestion: as many of my fave blogs as I can get to, and Buddhism for mothers by Sarah Napthali.
images courtesy of criena court
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