Nick Pont
Artwork’s Title: The Burning Desire
Material Used: Oil on Canvas
Studio Based: Mid-North Coast, NSW, Australia
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
I usually don’t work to any set process however; my recent work begins with a figure and the painting evolves around it.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Energy, meditation, reflection.
Could you share with us some insights on your recent work ‘The Burning Desire’ (2021)? Is there any particular story behind this new painting?
The Burning Desire Paintings are a reflection of healing and finding energy through nature and simply being.
In your Instagram posts, you usually share some important insights about your feelings, ordinary thoughts and progress either as a human being or as young painter. Does your artistry illustrate mostly aself reflective journey which is depicted on your canvases?
Yes. The recent works are primarily about introspection. The notes are from my journals or quotes from books that relate to the sense of the paintings.
In order to build up your imagery, do you also draw inspiration from more random figures or stories?
I am intrigued by narrative. Some previous works (ie. Nosey Bob Series, Ideals) have been inspired entirely by stories or folklore. The paintings are based loosely on the story with subtle undertones that reference contemporarysociety.
In many recent works such as ‘Exhale’ (2021), ‘Attempting Zazen’ (2021) or ‘1000 years’ (2021), thematically there is an evident approach to more spiritually rendered paintings that seem to radiate positive waves of energy. Are you attempting to project more esoteric forms of spirituality on your canvases?
Sure, the crux of these more recent works has become a spiritual connection betweenthe figure and its surroundings nature, light and being.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
I live and work in a small town on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, Australia. My studio is a separate space on the same plot as my house which allows for painting opportunities between parental and other commitments. There is a courtyard and gardens between the house and studio which can be used as a space for drawing, writing etc.
Which are your plans for the near future?
My rough plan is to continue focusing on painting, see where that journey takes me and be open to projects and opportunities as they present themselves.
Additional Paintings
All images are courtesy of the artist