Design Federation

Caroline Mudge takes time out to talk with Design Federation about her work and among other things, what she loves about working on recycled materials.

What is your name and where are you located?
Caroline Mudge, Born in Adelaide but I now live in Cairns.Where did you learn your craft?
I studied Illustration/Design at Underdale Uni but to be honest, I taught myself most of what I know through practice, play and observation from a young age. I didn’t exactly embrace the university experience, it seemed to me a waste of time. I was restless and desperate to travel.What is your artistic medium of choice? Why that medium?
At the moment I guess it’s acrylic as most of my stuff is done on wood and other materials, acrylic is incredibly versatile and takes to most unusual surfaces.

When I travel it’s watercolour because it’s fast and spontaneous and perfect for splashing colour through the sketchbook.

I like to keep things fresh so I never restrict myself to one medium, I enjoy experimenting so I also dabble with oils, enamel, resin, pastels, inks, screenprinting…whatever leaves a mark.

What is it like working in such a beautiful part of Australia? And of all the countries you have travelled to, which is the most beautiful?
It’s paradise… the smell, the humidity, the flowers, the fruit, the insane creatures you find that you never knew existed. I love the drama of the cyclone season and there is nothing better than locking myself up in my studio and listening to the rain thunder down for hours at a time. There is an incredible sense of community here and with that a flourishing creative scene.

Most beautiful country? I think I would have to say India. The richness of colours, the celebration of life and death, the incessant rituals, the deafening noise, the crippling poverty, the spirit of the people. India both repulses and intoxicates, this country doesn’t hold back, everything about it seems to assault your every sense, not everyone’s cup of chai but I’m addicted.

What do you love about working with recycled materials?
Apart from the obvious environmental reasons, I have always been attracted to the thrill of the find, picking up someone elses discarded rubbish and seeing it in a new light. I spend a lot of time in second hand stores and at the dump, pulling things apart, sanding them back then painting my characters or whatever on top. The content of the paintings often have a relationship with the materials that I find, in that way I can ensure that each piece is truly unique, I see beauty in the broken and embrace all the little imperfections. I also enjoy the random element of letting the materials dictate to me what I should paint.

Whose work do you relate to most?
In the last 5 years I have related mostly to artists working in the Lowbrow movement, Pop surrealism, Japanese Anime and Street art. I relate to artists who poke fun at society and who see the world in a quirky and twisted light.

Who inspires you?
Aya Takano, Aubrey Beardsley, Wassily Kandinsky, Jeff Soto, Gustav Kilmt, Yoshitomo Nara, Quentin Blake, Tiffiny Bozik, James Jean, Dave Kinsey, Fafi, Johan Potma, Ralph Steadman, Gaudi, terets, misfits, outcasts…

Where you excited about making it into Curvy4?
Yes! I had been googling all the curvy artists for the last couple of years and holding them all up in such high esteem and then I got in. I couldn’t believe it. My works are on page 110, quite small but I’m still stoked. I was also priviliged to be 1 of 15 out of 45 australian artists asked to paint an adidas original jacket for the show which is still touring Australia, Perth and Adelaide dates coming soon… Sorry about that shameless plug.

How do you think/want other people to respond to your art?
With a smile, a laugh, a frown, whatever, as long as it evokes some sort of emotional response. I’m always fascinated by the multitude of different interpretations… Sometimes people see what I am trying to say before I can. I think if you can inspire someone to go and create as a result of what you do then that is the ultimate satisfaction.

Can you let us in on any trade secrets?
Work hard, eat your vegies… you need to sacrifice certain things - in my case it’s usually my social life and the cleaning. The timing needs to be right too. I spent many years travelling and partying as I needed to get these things out of my system. I now feel that I need to make up for lost (creative) time, that is why I have been working at such a frenetic pace for the last year. Do something every day that leads to your goal no matter how minor, keep throwing the lines out, never know what you might catch. Stay true to you and don’t be daunted by the staggering amount of incredibly talented people out there, as long as you are doing it for you, you can’t lose.

Related Links

Caroline Mudge
Caroline Mudge on MySpace

You can purchase a Caroline Mudge originial at Just Art and at the Centre of Contemporary Arts, Cairns.

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