Artists Kirsten Johnston and Jaime Prosser were the successful artists for the first iteration of the Billboard Project.
Keep scrolling to find out more information about the artists and their work.
This project was made possible by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
Q&A with Kirsten Johnston
Who are you and where are you from?
I am Kirsten Johnston. I live in Mount Gambier in the state’s south east.
How did you get your start as an artist?
I began my art journey with drawing classes at the Mount Gambier TAFE and progressed to painting in further units. I devoured painting and drawing workshops in my early days which gave me a very broad range of experiences.
What sort of art do you make?
I make abstract art, often on a significantly large scale. I also explore semi-abstract landscapes, as is the case with the Billboard painting.
What inspires your creativity?
I am inspired by the fleeting moments of life—those instances which are often missed or downplayed. Passing emotions, thoughts, impressions, experiences, music and places all contribute to my art.
What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
I am working towards a couple of exhibitions next year; the first at the Riddoch Gallery in Mount Gambier which is exploring the process of art-making and the results of that process; and the second at Gallery M in Adelaide which will be a display of colourful, large-scale abstract pieces. I am also working on a series of semi-abstract and abstract canola pieces, following on from the Billboard painting, which I hope to exhibit down the track.
Any advice for an aspiring artist?
I think we all need to just keep practising our craft and striving to learn. Having opportunities to work towards, no matter how small, can inspire and keep us creating.
Tell us about your Billboard artwork
September Canola 2 depicts the brilliant yellow of the canola flowering in spring. I am moved by the vibrancy of the flowering crop, particularly the way it interweaves between, and contrasts with, other crops or grazing land, both of which are predominantly a luscious green at that time of year. September Canola 2 is an acrylic on canvas painting measuring approximately 1x2 metres which has been photographed and enlarged to create the billboard.
Is this work for sale?
Yes. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please contact the Walkway Gallery on 08 8752 1044.
What does it mean for you to see your work on such a mega scale?
It is extraordinary to see my painting on such a mega scale. I like to paint on a large scale generally because I enjoy the impact pieces can have and this opportunity takes that impact to a whole new level! It is also exciting to think of the number of people who will see the work. I love exhibiting and this is exhibiting on steroids!
What’s the best way to get in touch with you/where can we find more of your work?
My email address is kirsten@kirstenjohnstonarts.com
My website (which also has a contact page) is www.kirstenjohnstonarts.com
Anything else you want to add?
I want to thank the Walkway Gallery for such a fabulous opportunity. It’s a ripper!
Q&A with Jaime Prosser
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Jaime Densley, the name I refer to in my art practice is my maiden name ‘Prosser’. I was born and grew up on our family farm called ‘Kyeema’ in the Limestone Coast of South Australia.
How did you get your start as an artist?
After completing my schooling and Bachelor of Visual Arts in Adelaide I travelled Europe for awhile before coming home to begin preparing for my first solo exhibition.
What sort of art do you make?
I have always had an overwhelming desire to create, particularly drawing which later translated to painting what I see around me. I love interpreting this in a realistic style.
What inspires your creativity?
I am inspired by the everyday that surrounds me, from the shadows on old forgotten farm sheds and ruined town halls to the rugged beauty of gum flowers blooming in the paddocks.
What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
My days are filled at the moment with creating commissioned artworks alongside painting my own series of gum flower paintings. I enjoy showing the process of these pieces on my social pages and allowing an insight into my studio practice as well as giving access to purchase artworks when they are completed.
Any advice for an aspiring artist?
Being a full time artist is an exciting pursuit, where you are able to create your own pathway to suit your own individual style and strengths. The advice I wish that I had heard early on in my career would’ve been to have confidence, trust my talent as I developed my technique and find the subjects that truly excited me. Also to find successful artists who inspire you and watch and emulate. Another important factor not to forget is to learn and develop the business side of your art practice to run smoothly alongside the studio creating side.
Tell us about your Billboard artwork
For the Billboard Project I wanted to create a piece inspired by a subject I have enjoyed painting many times over the years - the local eucalyptus gum flowers from the Tatiara region. These iconic blooms are a rich and varied sight throughout the area which I wanted to highlight and draw attention to for those driving on the highway. My image is a close up view showing the delicate beauty along with the resilience which is characteristic of these plants.
Is this work for sale?
Yes. If you're interested in purchasing this painting, please contact the Walkway Gallery on 08 8752 1044.
What does it mean for you to see your work on such a mega scale?
The experience of seeing my art displayed in a gallery space is something I value highly. To be an artist particularly in a regional area can be a solitary experience so it is important to seek out opportunities to have your work seen. This Billboard Project is a totally new experience for me as an artist, and I am delighted for the opportunity to have my art viewed on such a massive scale. To have someone view my piece by chance on the highway, that may not necessarily walk into a gallery or purposefully find local art is unique and exciting.
What’s the best way to get in touch with you/where can we find more of your work?
The best way to see more work is via my website https://jaimeprosserart.com where there is also a contact page. You can e-mail jaime-prosser-art@hotmail.com and to see new work and my art process follow my social pages FB @JaimeProsserArtist and Instagram @jaimeprosser_art
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