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 Artist, and curator of Sydney’s China Heights Gallery, EDWARD WOODLEY, talks to JODY MACGREGOR about his current exhibition at Nine Lives, Surface Tension.
JODY MACGREGOR: How would you describe Surface Tension?
EDWARD WOODLEY: Surface Tension is an exhibition of my current work. It is a study of signage and maps, placed in a mural/installation. The end result being an individual composition, where the viewing can focus on the work as a whole, or deconstruct the imagery to reveal the comprising elements.
JM: Is Surface Tension a collection of pieces or best seen as a whole?
EW: The exhibition is both a combination of individual art works, and the installation piece (comprising 32 interlocking canvases).
JM: Does it follow on from your previous work in any way, or is it all new territory?
EW: This body of work is a progression from my earlier shows. Whilst utilising the familiar techniques of painting, mural and installation, I have fused these elements together to create a singular composition.
JM: What is it about maps and signs that appeals to you?
EW: Maps and signs have always appealed to me. Beyond the obvious purpose of these formats, there is a beauty behind their language. In my work, I look at the structure behind the message, to reveal the fluidity and structure of these everyday objects.
JM: Were you the kind of kid who filled notebooks with maps of imaginary places?
EW: As opposed to creating imaginary maps of fantastic places, I was more concerned about stringently documenting existing areas.
JM: What kind of places did you document?
EW: I was interested in mapping my home and neighbourhood. Now in my work, maps play a minor part in forming my concepts.
JM: Where did you find the signs and other salvaged material you use in Surface Tension?
EW: The majority of signs used in Surface Tension were hand painted by myself. Through my travels, I’m constantly documenting interesting signage, which I use as a reference for my work. I occasionally use found objects, but this is only a small portion of my work.
JM: You help to run the China Heights Gallery in Sydney – does that mean you’re extra-picky about where you show your own work?
EW: As an artist, I exhibit my works with peers and parties I respect. The galleries I have shown with are all the level of China Heights and share a similar objective.
JM: What do you look for in a space to show your art?
EW: As a lot of my work is installation-based, I look for a space that best suits my concepts. Also, I like to have clear communication, and share a vision with the gallery’s curators.
JM: What would you like people to take away with them from a viewing of Surface Tension?
EW: The purpose of my work is to re-evaluate the way people view their everyday surroundings, such as advertising, maps and signage.
JM: Were there any real-world signs that particularly inspired you?
EW: No particular sign has influenced me. I much prefer sign writing used for sales or markets. It uses a fast technique, to create major visual impact.
SURFACE TENSION can be seen at Nine Lives Gallery, 694a Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, from Thursday Sep 2 – Tuesday Sep 14. See www.wehaveninelives.blogspot.com and www.edwardwoodley.com for more information.
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