Interview with Jarod Pak
March 2001

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

This outfit consists of a pair of pants, tights, vest, jacket, headpiece, and a staff. It was constructed from mainly fabric, glue and plastic.

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

The inspiration for the design concept was probably indirectly related to the fact I’d just started year 12. Consequently I spent a lot of time thinking about and planning the future. Alvin Toffler’s book "Future Shock" also provided much inspiration. As for starting the design I spent a lot of time researching different cultures, fashion trends and symbols.

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

Brainstorming general ideas – refining them – brainstorming – research – fine tuning – procrastinating – Then throwing it all away and starting again.

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

My complete inexperience with the textile medium proved to be very interesting and time consuming as well as being very rewarding.

What media did you select and why?

I selected textiles (clothes) probably because they are an integral and literal part of people’s identities. As well as the fact I’d never sewn seriously before – I like a challenge.

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?

A trip to Nepal during Easter was most interesting. The contrasting visual environment (and culture) probably gave me a more analytical and objective view of western culture.

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

I did quite an extensive amount of research from many sources. Main influences: Alvin Toffler ‘Future Shock’, ‘Star Trek’, ‘The Fifth Element’, ‘Star gate’, ‘Farscape’, ‘Red Dwarf’, ‘Futurama’, as well as our Australian multicultural surroundings and the Encyclopedia of Visual Art.

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

No moral or ethical concerns are expressed in this piece.

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

Use of the local library, newspapers, magazines, art programs, galleries & websites.

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

I was unaware of this website.

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

I saw many exhibitions last year which contained varied media – although they mostly featured a western perspective. I found that it was easier to explore different visual cultures & stereotypes in other sources.

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

It was interesting. It was a shame that more work and backup couldn’t have been exhibited because of the practical constraints.

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

The durability of my outfit isn’t very good at all. I think that my focus was more on the exploration of an idea and development of a visual concept, rather than the craftsmanship. As for the presentation I built some podiums and alike to presents the various elements. I also photographed some varied combinations of the elements to illustrate the outfit’s versatility.

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

Computer certainly helped speed up my colour development. Also I’d like to thank my iron and the creators of PVA.

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

Perhaps it is a good idea not only to choose a concept that interests you, but also to design a concept in such a way that you can personally relate to it, and more importantly explore it. Also perhaps a concept that is challenging would be more rewarding (being confident in your own ideas creates a far more interesting result).

Image reproduced courtesy of the artist

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