“I’ve often said I can’t paint as well as a five-year-old, but I am still influenced by the same things. The sea, the reef, the beach, the flowers and anything that is beautiful.”
In the same way that Leonardo da Vinci is evocative of the renaissance, Michelangelo the Sistine Chapel, Monet French impressionism and Frida Kahlo flowers in hair, Ken Done is evocative of the colours of Australia. The iconic artist has for years reached across and captured the feeling of Sydney Harbour- you can almost feel the warmth of the sun, the glisten of the sea, the bobbing of the ferries making their way from one side of the bay to the other. Somehow, the fragrance of frangipanis drifts off the page.
Ken has done a most valuable thing- he has retained his childlike sense of play and imagination, intermingling it with his attainment of wisdom and skill. While many of us discard parts of our younger selves, Ken carries it with him and allows great space for the playful, the bright hues, the exploration and above all- taking the time to notice the beauty already present before us all.
We caught up with Ken to capture some artistic inspiration as we launch into our Australian spring.
When was the last time you were lost in a moment of play?
Playing with my grandkids is always a great joy, especially if we are together in my studio.
What inspired and influenced you as a child? Do those same things resonate with you now as an adult?
I’ve often said I can’t paint as well as a five-year-old, but I am still influenced by the same things. The sea, the reef, the beach, the flowers and anything that is beautiful.
In what ways do you believe art supports our growth, learning and sense of contentment in life?
It’s not necessary to be able to draw in a photorealistic sense. It’s just as important to be able to make artworks that show the feeling of an experience, for example, the heat and patterns that you find on the beach or the pleasures found on a grey and stormy day.
What five words would you use to describe the feeling that creativity rustles in you?
“Joy, excitement, adventure, struggle and surprise.”
What brought you into the arts? What formed part of your early inspiration and influences?
I received a special exemption to leave school at 14 and joined East Sydney Tech (now the National Art School). I was initially inspired by Van Gogh, Matisse and Sidney Nolan, and still find inspiration in their work now.
In the modern world, what do you see of great value to children and families? What do you think families are more in need of?
Now days when so many kids have screens to watch and operate, I think it’s important that they are still encouraged to paint and draw.
“There is nothing more interesting than your own imagination.”
You are about to launch a book with a new exhibition of original works created for Poems from Home. What does this collection of works mean to you? What does home mean to you
I’ve been interested in poetry ever since I bought a small book of Japanese haiku poetry in my early 20s. My poems do not precisely follow the format, however they are short, simple and hopefully thought provoking.
You were named Father of the Year in 1989 and were a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF for over 35 years. What does this mean to you? What significance does it hold for you?
It was a great surprise to be named Father of the Year and a wonderful honour to be involved with UNICEF for such a long period of time.
“It gives me the continuing belief that even the smallest act can help some of the most vulnerable children in the world.”
As we walk beside the next generation of children, may artists like Ken Done, with a zest for the vibrancy and colours of life, flow on.
May children use their minds and hands to create, not with the aim of perfection, but with the enthusiasm to reach for the textures, shapes, colours and tones that permeate our imaginations and brighten our days- acting as a steady reminder of the goodness available to us all, in the spirit of play.
Explore Ken Done’s educational resources here
kendone.com.au
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography by James Geer