Posted by Sam Hartmann on February 25, 2011
Melbourne based artist Ghostpatrol started off in IT, but lucky for us he took a sharp left turn into art. This is a man who has dreams of creating large scale murals, travelling to the moon, trying his hand at taxidermy and having laser battles! As you can imagine his varied works are imaginative, unique and instantly appealing.
If you live in Melbourne you have probably seen his work in the streets, but Sydneysiders can enjoy Ghostpatrol’s creativity as part of Project 5, which opens tonight and continues over the weekend at Cockle Bay Wharf. If you like what you see, head along to aMBUSH Gallery on March 3, where works from the show will be auctioned off.
Covered: sword making, animation and secrets...
Sam Hartmann: You started off doing an IT degree, what inspired such a change?
Ghostpatrol: Drawing and painting are much more enjoyable. I was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people and lucky to be welcomed into the Melbourne street art scene.
SM: Where did you get the inspiration to create artworks on pencils?
GP: I’m still thinking about this.
SM: Is there a medium that you have not explored yet that you want to?
GP: Bronze sculpture, moon travel, large scale murals, taxidermy, ceramics, sword making and laser battles.
SM: Why?
GP: Time, money and this human body
SM: Where do your creatures come from?
GP: Mostly from my mind. – I’m still working this out as well.
SM: How do you decide what to display in your installation pieces?
GP: Most of these ideas come to me when I take short breaks from my day and stand on my balcony looking into the sky and the sun.
SM: You have said you like to leave the interpretation open to the viewer, have you ever been surprised by what someone else has seen in your work?
GP: If people are happy, I’m happy.
SM: You have sighted Manga and animation as an inspiration to you. Would you ever create your own animation?
GP: That’s the type of project that requires a lot of time and the perfect people to work with. That time will come. I’ve always been working on animation ideas, most of which are still secrets hidden under rocks.
ghostpatrol, project 5, ambush gallery, street art, interviews