John Kodric
What part of the process of creating art do you like best?
I love colour and I like painting and creating something new. Artwork which was never done before. I think that my latest painting says a lot about that.
What is your working environment like?
I like to paint outside and inside in my studio. To be an artist, you have to look for new things and ideas. All we have done in the last 50 years is appropriate and change old art.
What kind of (formal & informal) art training have you had?
I studied water colours at the Vic Artist Society from 1989 to 1993. Not happy with this, I took further studies at Victoria University. I graduated in 2005 and received a diploma in visual art.
How has your art training affected the kind of art you produce?
Victoria University changed my life as I learned more knowledge about art and artists in the last 150 years. This turned my art and life around. I'm only sorry I didn't go to University 20 years before.
Name some important influences and inspirations in your art career.
My main influences and inspiration come from Magritte, Edward Hopper, Salvadore Dali and Jeffrey Smart. This really opened the door to create Contemporary Realism and Surrealism, etc.
What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?
When I started University, I had problems and difficulties to paint portraits from real life. With more practice, I overcame this. Last year with a few University friends, we went to life drawing classes.
Have there been major turning points in your art career?
Last 5 years was a big turning point in my art career. I changed completely from Realism to new Contemporary artwork and Surrealism. I'm also painting urban and environmental icons and landscapes from around the City and Docklands.
What has been the highlight of your art career?
I think my two paintings are highlights of my career. I love Jackson Pollock's paintings which are different, and I hope mine are too. The Royal Blue painting is modern with a nice depth of bright colours.
Artist comment about “Royal Blue”
This painting is created in imaginative colours. Bright, transparent oil colours dominate this art work. It's like you look at the sky and stars. Flow of colours from yellow, violet-red to blue.
Artist comment about “Southern Cross”
In this painting there is only a splash of very light yellow, red and violet colour, that's all you see. These colours are the main feature of the painting. The squares were made in a unique way by scraping the pure pigment off the mixing palette.