Tuesday, January 13, 2015

ARTIST + ARCHITECT SHANE WILLMETT







Although Shane Willmett studied to be an architect - and continues to practice in this field - his passion for form extends to applying Indian ink onto paper. Many of his artworks feature elements from nature - such as flora and fauna, insects and animals, and he has also created a series dedicated to architectural structures too. While Shane grew up near Cairns in Queensland, he has spent many years travelling for both enjoyment and study. Prior to returning to live in Brisbane, he completed his Masters of Architecture in Lund University, Sweden.

Which five words best describe you? Creative, persistent, honest, eclectic and impatient.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I don't think there was a defining moment; I have practiced my creative endeavors for as long as I can remember - it's been a process. I have continued to pursue and practice multiple disciplines as it is the greatest source of inspiration for me to bring back any knowledge gained from one and apply it in another.

What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? I think the greatest lesson I have learnt so far is to not be afraid to ask for help even if it has been challenging for me and that commitment is the most direct way to achieve any goals. I still have a lot of lessons to learn and in how to apply them!

What's your proudest career achievement? So far, it would have to be that my first solo exhibition sold out earlier this year.

What's been your best decision? My best decision has had to be in choosing to use the India Ink my aunty gave me for a Christmas gift one year to draw/paint with because my writing/calligraphy with it was horrible. And still is.

Who inspires you? Too many to name. The people around me, my family, my partner, my aunty Ann and cousin Sophie Cape, and other figures like Dieter Rams, Norman Ackroyd, Tim Burton, Peter Zumthor, Matthew Bourne, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, John Pawson, Jonny Johansson, Lars Von Trier, Wes Anderson. So many more!

What are you passionate about? Creating.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? There are a few. Norman Ackroyd – an artist, a master of light, form, atmosphere and Space. Olafur Eliasson - an artist dealing with spatial phenomena and experience. Steve McQueen.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? I don’t think my dream has changed since I was a child, it is to build my own house and fill it with works of every artist, designer, author and creative that I admire.

What are you reading? I am currently reading The hare with amber eyes by Edmund de Waal, a British ceramicist. It is a kind of memoir told through the journey of a collection of Japanese netsuke.

images courtesy of shane willmett

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