Always Never 6

AlwaysNever6 is part of a project I started in March 2024. The project: AlwaysNever, was conceived when I was applying for the Blacktown Arts Artist Grant. It germinated from a simple yet profound premise: “You always take my money, but you never see me”. This is how I feel about Art Prize judges and curators. I have entered 8 paintings into Art Prize competitions in recent years, and not one painting has been accepted (hung). All I yearn for is the validation of being recognized as a professional artist, able to sustain myself solely through my craft.
It's a bitter pill to swallow!
I understand that art is subjective, but it's tough not to feel discouraged. Time and again, pieces I deem mediocre, or worse, overshadow mine. At 64, time feels like it's slipping away, and age might be a factor in not getting noticed. It seems like younger or marginalized artists get more attention.
In the corporate world, perhaps a mature, white male wields all the keys, but in the realm of art, the landscape is vastly different.
AlwaysNever is my response to rejection. For this project, I'm focusing on incorporating my identity, especially as a signwriter. I'm using hand-carved PVC stencils and Australian themes to tell my story. I'm also including words from the English language, and Dhurag, the indigenous language of Blacktown, to connect my art with my everyday life.
English text...
Always | Never.
Dhurag text…
Budyari (good), embodying the essence of high-quality artworks | Biyal (no), echoing the resounding sting of rejection | Gulah (angry), a raw manifestation of frustration | Yanu (goodbye), a poignant acknowledgment of time's relentless march.

ABSTRACTION: This is not considered an accurate representation of the world around us. Basically, it uses colour, forms, and gestural mark-making to convey the artist’s interpretation or vision. Abstraction is used to convey a story or evoke a feeling. There is a myriad of different ways to approach abstraction in painting and I have developed a few distinct or unique styles. Using PVC hand-carved stencils is my latest technique!

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Stuart Ian Currie's artistic odyssey unfolds across a vibrant canvas of creativity, weaving a tapestry of diverse expressions that range from whimsical fantasies to poignant landscapes. A journeyman of the arts, Stuart's path is a testament to his unwavering dedication and boundless passion for the craft.

Educated in both traditional and contemporary art forms, Stuart's body of work reflects a profound understanding of artistic expression and a relentless pursuit of self-discovery. From his early days as a precocious artist, Stuart demonstrated an innate talent for visual storytelling, his adolescence marked by a fascination with fantasy and anatomy that laid the groundwork for his later explorations.

Despite grappling with challenges such as dyslexia and colour blindness, Stuart's ardour for art remained undiminished, propelling him towards a lifelong quest for excellence. His journey led him to complete a Diploma of Fine Arts at Nepean TAFE in 2004 as a mature-age student, earning 11 distinctions, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts at COFA (UniNSW) in 2009, where he garnered an additional 8 distinctions.

Stuart's artistic footprint extends across private collections throughout Australia, with notable group exhibitions at esteemed venues such as TAP Art Gallery in 2022 and Blacktown Arts in 2012. Embracing opportunities to engage with diverse artistic communities, Stuart currently shares his expertise by teaching drawing and watercolour at Parramatta Community College. This symbiotic relationship not only broadens his artistic horizons but also fosters meaningful connections within the wider artistic ecosystem, a testament to his commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Looking towards the future, Stuart remains steadfast in his commitment to artistic exploration and innovation. With each new endeavour, he delves deeper into the complexities of the human experience, seeking to inspire others through the transformative power of art. His works, imbued with narratives woven into every brushstroke, strive to create a dialogue that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences on a profound level.