I’m a freelance artist who focuses on creating high quality arts experiences and events for children across multiple art forms, but mostly theatre. I do this mostly under the banner of a company that I co-direct, Imaginary Theatre. First and foremost I try to make good art, plain and simple. I try to make contemporary work that blows cliché’s about what children ‘like’ out of the water. I try to make work that is rich and layered, and that engages children and adults in life-affirming experiences, just like any good art should.
Why do you do it?
I create art for children because I think they are more interesting and more deserving consumers of art than adults are. I find adults to be boring, mostly. They come with years of baggage, prejudice and pre-conceptions. Children just experience an artwork for what it is, and I find that refreshing. I also think that there is much more good to be done in creating work for children. Imagination and creativity develop brains and help create healthy, well-rounded people.
What do you love about the city you live in?
Brisbane winter weather is the all time best weather of anywhere I have ever been in the world, in my opinion. Otherwise, I love Brisbane, but I am often frustrated by it. I am excited by the potential of Brisbane as a creative city. It’s an exciting time to be an artist here, but with conservative politics rearing it’s hideously ugly head (again) I fear that the progress we have made here is at risk.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
I don’t do holidays much. The last real holiday I had was in New York City on the back of a work related trip.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
I don’t do favourites. It’s a dumb game.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
Again, not playing. P.S I loved all of the shows.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Really. I’m not good at hypothetical or inconsequential decision-making.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
Probably Korean food. -What's the best lesson you've ever learned? Bring love to everything that you do. Love everyone/ everything unconditionally.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows.
No thanks.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
I don’t have the kind of job where you can do that. My work is all or nothing. I chose all, and the moment I stop being happy with that choice is when I will stop doing this and try something else.
How do you define success?
Success for me is primarily being able to maintain my position on the whole ‘love everyone/ everything’ thing for at least most of the time. Also, setting goals and striving to achieve them, and embracing failure as part of the process.
What's your spirit animal?
You may not be surprised to hear me say that I don’t do spirit animals. Yes, it’s a dumb game too.
