I Am The Thief

This is an experiment. In case you are wondering why this painting is SO CHEAP - I want to see if collectors buy on price only!
I AM THE THIEF is a text painting about the COVID-19 lockdown. It combines culture, historical news, identity, and racing thoughts all in one place. This painting is a slice of history on a canvas.

When the insidious Coronavirus became world news, the Australian government decided to shut down all international travel. At that time, I was a contractor manufacturing & installing signage at Sydney Airport. In an instant, my job was immediately terminated. Sitting at home and watching the news was both horrifying and devastating, and it gave me time to think. So I started a series of artworks based on the pandemic. I am a sign writer by trade so the idea for a series of paintings that would put my skill to work in text paintings. The text represents a timeline of thoughts going through my mind, influenced by the news, and random impulses to document some daily activities.

First I draw 10 mock-ups with genpels and makers on acid-free, non-yellowing paper. I mixed up the designs, colours, and words to create very different artworks. In my mind, I saw 4 very strong compositions. With my mind set on a body of work, I made 6 custom-built, kiln-dried timber stretcher frames. Next, I stretched and stapled the heavy-duty canvas, painted my Gesso sealer undercoats and I was ready. My approach was similar to painting a sign. I painted the background then blocked-in some geometric shapes. I didn’t want these paintings to be sharp with crisp colours and edges, that would look too commercial. I went over the rectangles and squares with a dry brush technique to give the artwork a rustic appeal. Then I went to town with some ‘off the brush’ fonts.

I love this painting. Overall I believe it encapsulates the thoughts of a nation, our nation.

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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.