Local artist profile: Chris Duffy

THIS week we chat with muralist and street artist Chris Duffy, who uses digital methods to develop his works, before taking a traditional approach to the creation of the final piece.

What motivated you to become a pop/street artist?

I have always been captivated by art, especially painting. As a child, I would happily spend hours in national galleries.

Over time, I found myself naturally drawn to the bigger, bolder, and more colourful paintings that depicted familiar scenes and people.

Regarding the Street Art movement, I joined fairly late after discovering the brilliant works of artists such as Banksy, Pegasus and Bambi, and wanted to emulate that kind of genius in one of the oldest forms of expression and storytelling known.

How would you describe your style?

My style is eclectic, with my mind constantly scanning and processing the forms, colours, and visual imagery I encounter.

The internet has been a major influence, acting as an infinite well of images that I collect by right-clicking and saving or, by taking screenshots on my iPad.

From the moment an idea pops into my head to sourcing imagery, designing concepts, and composing the final working sketch that I transfer to canvas, everything is done on my desktop and iPads.

However, I take a traditional approach to the creation of a painting. The craft of painting is very important to me – the overall aesthetics, the quality of the paint and workmanship, how I hold the brush, and the hand-painted nuances that naturally occur.

Which other artists inspire you?

My inspirations often change, but my friend and occasional mentor, Italian pop artist Giancarlo Montuschi, stands out. He is one of the most beautiful and original people I have ever met.

Another artist I admire is the American artist, writer, and critic David Salle.

The work of the UK-based Spanish street artist Jay Kaes also blows me away; he is a master and perhaps an originator of the Glitch Pop Style.

Aussie pop artist Ben Frost is a gem!

The stories and paintings of our own Rover Thomas amaze me, and the skill level of LA “pop deconstructivist” and commercially inspired art of Matt Gondek is mind-boggling.

What are some highlights you have from your career?

I have been fortunate to experience some truly special moments in my art career, including several public projects here in Bendigo. A standout was a recent historical paste-up mural on a heritage-listed wall in the gardens at Dudley House, commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo.

How can people check out your work online?

I’m active on Facebook and YouTube, (but) I tend to direct people to my Instagram page, HA_HO_ART

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

I am thrilled and deeply engrossed in preparations for an upcoming exhibition at the Living Art Space in the historic old Post Office Building and Visitor Centre.

Inspired by the work of artist Giancarlo Montuschi, this exhibition will focus on depictions of Bendigo with a retro-futuristic twist.

What would you say to young regional aspiring pop/street artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I find I must remind myself of this Andy Warhol quote from time to time and would encourage all aspiring and ambitious artists to have it as their mantra: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”