Brendan Huntley is currently on tour with his band, but next month his work will be a highlight at the Melbourne Art Fair Project Rooms.
Brendan is one of those non-stop creatives manages divides his energy between painting, sculpture and music. When out of his studio he fronts the garage rock band Eddy Current Suppression Ring.
Working primarily with ink, pastel, paper and ceramics, Brendan principally explores what it is to be human by infusing inanimate objects with lifelike sensibilities. In his recent practice Brendan has produced a prolific assortment of upside down jugs, teacups, gravy boats, dinner glasses and other homely vessels. By twisting the traditional techniques of ceramic sculpture, Brendan lets the clay speak on our behalf, exploring what it is to be imperfect, mundane, fearful, lustful, joyous and soulful.
From remote, Brendan took time out from his tour to talk to The Vine about his place at the forthcoming Melbourne Art Fair.
Does this body of work for the Art Fair's Project Rooms have a title?
The show will have a title. I think its going to be called 'Face Value'. Take it however you like.
What's your take of the importance of the handmade, or trace of the hand in your art?
Whatever works really. I'm not against mass production. It really depends on the work. For me right now I like working with my hands and the materials. Squishing it in my hands and getting it out. Seeing it come into form and shape right there in front of me. That really gets me excited.
How did your family and the creative environment of your childhood inform your own creative life?
My family have been a huge influence on me and my work. My parents always encouraged me to express my thoughts through art and to embrace whatever material was at hand.
A lot of your sculptural works have a ghostly sensibility. Or even something like pagan idols. Is there a sense to you that they are other-worldly?
To me I see the work is very much a part of this world. My world. It's mostly based on my observations of life, the world and everything within and around it.
How much do you enjoy the mediums that you chose?
I love the mediums I work with. They make me feel complete. I love the challenge of trying to make something work. Experimenting and getting to know the material is something I really enjoy.
What are some of your favourite things in your studio at the moment?
I have an exhaust fan in my studio now. That really helps with clearing the fumes. I have a comfortable chair that I like to sit in and I just found an old wooden brief case that fits all my oil sticks and pastels perfectly. That made me feel satisfied at the time I filled it up.
What's the perfect soundtrack to this exhibit?
I've thought a lot about that and i really cant say. There are so many different thoughts and emotions running through the work, I'd hate to pigeon hole it with a particular sound track. So I guess whatever tunes float your boat at the time you are viewing it.
4 – 8 August 2010
Royal Exhibition Building
Carlton Gardens
Melbourne