Interview with Deane Sobey
March 2001

Describe in detail your work that is included in Top Arts: VCE 2000

This work, based on my garage was done with a range of mixed media; acrylic paint, printing ink, soft pastel, charcoal and conte crayon. Some of the techniques included using car sponges, rollers and brushes. The work is 395cm long and 100cm high on brown paper.

What were your starting points?
Where did your inspiration come from?

I started drawing quick sketches from my garage and then proceeded to large paper. The scale of my work was inspired by previous students at my school. Brett Whiteley’s work was also a main influence on my work, I like his line quality and expressiveness.

What processes did you explore to establish the focus or theme of your work?

I asked myself what theme interested me that I would see and take photos of. "Junk" was perfect because it is very broad and exciting.

What difficulties if any did you encounter in producing your work?

The paper was hard to keep up on the wall. I also made a bit of a mess and was very exhausting due to the sheer scale.

What media did you select and why?

I used acrylic paint mixed with water because it dries quickly and suits the way I work. Also I worked quickly with soft pastels, charcoal and conte. With the hard surface of the paper it was easy to attack my work with chalks.

Were there influences from other sources that were significant in the production of your work?
How did this impact on the development of your work?

Yes, past student’s work did have an influence on my work particularly the scale of the work. Also I admire Brett Whiteley’s work for its expressive nature and quality of line.

Were there influences from literature, television, history or political events in the processing and production of your work?

No

Are there ethical or moral issues or concerns evident in your work?

No, mine is a display of spontaneous expression.

What resources did you have access too, example, use of the local library, newspapers, magazines, art programs, galleries, websites...?

I used my own photos but also the Top Arts exhibition was interesting. I went to the NGV often to view the permanent collection.

Did you refer to the NGV website – how relevant or useful was this site?

I used this site to see what was on before going to see the exhibitions.

What exhibitions did you see? Was there a specific exhibition which impacted significantly on the development of your ideas and working methods?

I visited exhibitions at Roar Galleries and enjoyed the intimate atmosphere that the building and location (Fitzroy) creates. There were local artists such as Chris Winer exhibiting.

Did you see Top Arts from 1999? What response did you have to this exhibition?

Yes. This exhibition lead me in the right direction in terms of scale and use of media. It gave me an idea of the quality of work I should aim to produce and was good to see what other artists are doing.

Did you consider presentation and conservation issues in the process and production of your work?

Not really. When I get excited and need to paint or to draw any surface that I can find will do. After things are finished though I am not precious with them but I do look after them.

Did technology have an influence on the development of your ideas and working methods?

Yes. Often I would look at famous artist’s websites to see what themes and ideas people have done before and get inspiration.

What advice would you give to students undertaking art/studio art?

Work every chance you get and when you become excited take on big and outrageous ideas and make them work.

Image reproduced courtesy of the artist

© copyright 2001, The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Australia
Email: enquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au