Artist statement:
"Everywhere and Nowhere” (2023) is a portrait of Craig 'Macca' McGown, the beloved host of Channel 10's 'What's Up Down Under' travel show. Inspired by Craig's adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity, I meticulously captured his essence and love for exploration through realistic attention to detail. The painting's title speaks to the tension between presence and absence that Craig experiences as a traveller. Although he physically travels to different places, his true essence and spirit remain intangible, always on the border of our comprehension.
The work pays tribute to McGown's remarkable career and his unwavering commitment to sharing his travel knowledge with Australia. The painting captures both the concrete and abstract dimensions of his life, embodying Craig's wanderlust as he explores Australia's cultures, landscapes, and adventures.
"I created this artwork as my first ever entry into the 2023 Archibald Art Prize. Having a personal connection to Craig McGown, I felt he was the perfect muse for this special project. During our live sitting at his sisters house in Maryborough, QLD, we caught up with a beer in hand, reminiscing of old times. In my minds eye, I saw two Craig's sit on that bench. The opaque image represents the physical Craig that sat in front of me, with his feet up, catching his breath in a familiar landscape. The transparent Craig is the one we see on TV. He's everywhere and nowhere."
It took me 3 months to paint this artwork. It is the largest canvas artwork I have ever painted.
Painted with premium grade paints with vibrant colour and intensity. Varnished with a satin finish.
Painted on high quality, stretched canvas.
Professionally framed at Wide Bay Art Gallery. The rustic, textured frame was hand selected to complement the smooth, green landscape depicted in the work.