Australian Infront

1 - I understand that the China Heights Gallery has been a big part of your life since 2004. What drives you in curating this gallery space?
Alongside with Mark Drew & Michael Sharp, I co-founded the China Heights gallery & studio in 2004.
Over the years, the exhibitions have developed & matured to a stage where we only exhibit what we believe in, ie. not just a gallery for rent.
Our scope is broad, so there's not necessarily one form of art we prefer to show. As ambiguous as our curatorial taste may be, there's always an underlaying aesthetic & theme that runs through our shows.

2 - We asked Trent Whitehead who he thought would be the next big thing in art/design to which he did not give an answer - would love to hear your answer.
Predictive analytics. Art merged with technology, and the Singularity.

3 - Is there a pivotal moment where art/street art/graffiti changed your outlook on art/design?
Although the aforementioned fields have origins within each other, it's crucial not to confuse or combine these forms of art.
Obviously, advertising was a driving influence for graffiti, but now graffiti has huge influence on advertising. Simply check every second car advertisement, to illustrate this.
Personally, Futura's work with the Clash was a critical point for my seminal outlook to art & design.

4 - You have a few shows coming up, one of which is in Brisbane - Can you tell us more? Where can people catch a glimpse of your latest artworks?
I've been working on several private commissions recently, but my upcoming show dates are; 'Who Shot The Sherif' - a group show at He Made She Made gallery (www.hemadeshemade.com) 1st August 2012, 'It Ain't Dead' - a group show for the Brisbane Festival 12th September 2012 (www.brisbanefestival.com.au/events/view/it-aint-dead), & finally 'The Hours' - a group show in Sydney during Septemebr 2012(www.theopeninghours.com.au).

5 - Would I be foolish in saying that your pretty tight with Mr Mark Whalen? You guys collaborated on a Volcom campaign/s stuff back in the day. Were you guys both working for Volcom or just kicking it? And what the go with those wrestling masks?
I've been working with Mark Whalen for several years, on many projects & exhibitions. Many years ago, Whalen worked with Volcom & they always supported our exhibitions & the gallery itself. The shoot featuring the masks was a continuation of that, and related to an earlier show we had together.

6 - You practice design as well as curate and paint - If you had to pick one for the next year and live off it - what would it be and why?
All of my disciplines tie together, to create the one practice. Despite how different they may seem, they'll all integral to each other, so I could never separate them.

7 - Who/what would be your dream client/campaign to art direct?
I've been lucky to work with a lot of great clients & projects. My real focus is to continue this folio of work, and allow myself the opportunity to produce works with creative freedom, yet with a commercial emphasis.

8 - What is your most prized possession and why?
My most prized possession is, my working relationship with my two assistants Kyle Montgomery & Aedan Lee.

9 - Is there anything you would like to add?

10 - As part of the 10 Q's, you have to pass us on to another of your friends int he industry. A rule though - he or she can not live in the same state as you.
I'd suggest Joel Birch.