Interviewing Creative Folk / Ken Done
Totally honoured to have Ken Done on the blog today. Ken is an Australian cultural icon. His bold and bright practice is distinctively his own with a career that’s successfully spanned decades. Being a personal hero of mine, I’m drawn to the excessive optimism in his paintings and his ability to push fine art parameters. Ken immerses you into the Australian landscape; blue waters of the Sydney harbour, warm yellow, sun-soaked lands, blooming flowers, loud birds, colourful fish. It’s no wonder his vibrant work translates so easily across canvas to wearable art and homewares. Ken’s use of colour and shapes are expressive and joyful and iconic. In his paintings series (posted on his instagram), Ken talks of conjuring the feeling of a scene, rather than trying to capture a literal reproduction. I watch Ken lay down a series of expressive marks and colours on his canvas before starting all over again because it wasn’t quite right the first time. This fearless approach to his work is perhaps his magic and a lesson for anyone to trust your own creative intuition and carve out your own path. Thanks for being an inspiring legend Ken!
Frangipani, 1993 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
1) Do you think you’d be where you are without your bold entrepreneur spirit?
I always knew the importance of reaching a wide audience with my work. And therefore, in the early days, I took any opportunity I could to show what I could do.
Sydney Harbour, turquoise sea, black liner, 2006 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
2) Do you ever wake up and not want to paint?
Sometimes. But almost inevitably it doesn’t last very long and before I know it, I’m back in the studio, having seen something that inspired me or thought of some circumstance that I need to paint.
Turquoise Coral Head, 2011 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
3) In the early days how did you overcome any fear of putting your work & self out there?
I was never fearful but at 80 I am much better than I was when I was 40.
Penguins and people, 2015 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
4) Do you think there’s a secret that leads your art to resonate with people across decades and cultures?
I don’t know if there’s any secret other than my desire in most instances to make work as beautiful as I can.
Nasturtium, 1993 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
5) Best advice another creative gave you?
Always try to find an outlet for things that you are most passionate about.
Ultramarine and Jade coral head, 2014 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
6) You use repeated motifs in your work (opera house, coral, fish, hibiscus) do these subjects carry meaning beyond their inherent symbolism?
Not really, they are astounding pieces of architecture (in the case of the Opera House) and it’s amazing to me that a country can be symbolised by such a cultural icon. The others are all from nature, which is always incomparably wonderful.
Postcard from Sydney, pink Opera House 2016 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
7) Are you ever surprised at the pieces which gain the most popularity?
The answer is yes, I’m sometimes surprised but it’s always a great pleasure that you get feedback that people are enjoying something you have created.
Twelve sunbakers, 2008 – Image Courtesy of the Artist
Where to find & follow Ken
