Local artist profile: Ivan Sun

THIS week we chat with multimedia artist and ardent arts advocate Ivan Sun, whose practice varies between animations, music videos and photography, to painting and even sewn textile works.

What initially motivated you to become a multimedia artist?

From a young age, literature was my passion and I wrote poetry and short stories. I went to a special arts high school, drew and painted alongside many gifted classmates but never considered myself as good as them.

Later, I realised that my visual and world building skills as a writer needed improvement.

This led to my spending a lot of time in virtual environments, developing skills such as programming, photography, character development, 3d modelling, etc. that reshaped me as a multimedia artist.

I’m still telling stories, but with more than just words.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

My style appears varied as I work in different media (from animations and music videos and photography, to painting and even sewn textile works).

However in all, I seem to like making surprises, and bringing out the magic and wonder in everyday life.

Which other artists inspire you and why?

I find most inspiration in the works of the Bauhaus School masters (Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, László Moholy-Nagy, etc.)

Their works varied from photography to painting to metalwork to textiles, but there is an ethos of experimentation, education and serving the community. This inspires me and this is why my creative business is named the Bauhaus Metaverse.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

I’m a late bloomer as an artist.

Although I’ve published and sold works and launched successful exhibitions, it was only when I set (down) roots in Bendigo and met many supporters and collaborators at the Emporium Creative Hub, Startup Central Victoria and Be.Bendigo that I found my most ambitious projects come alive.

So, my highlights are the Robots are Coming exhibition that I curated earlier this year at Dudley House, and then the House of Loong launch in November at the Golden Dragon Museum – this will be a permanent installation for three years.

How can people check out your work online?

Through the website ivansun.com you will see links to my social media accounts and also upcoming exhibitions.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? Are you working on anything in particular right now?

I have a few exhibitions and projects coming out next year.

Firstly, documenting and launching Ben Wrigley’s sculptures – called The Wands – at the Beehive Building before they each go out to a different site in Bendigo.

I am also curating an exhibition of contemporary Mexican artists at Omari Botanical Gardens to coincide with the Frida Kahlo exhibition.

Then there is an exhibition of Mexico/Bendigo artists at Dudley House in June.

I am also producing a words and music celebration of Frida Kahlo’s life and art for 13 July, the day of her passing.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of their creative life?

Keep learning new creative skills, keep learning about yourself, and the world around you.

Listen to different people who have something worthwhile to teach you but always listen to your heart.

Develop a way to earn a living (doing something you enjoy) alongside your creative work, so you don’t only have to rely on sales or grants. Enjoy what you do – play – learn – live – love.