@shay_colley

Instagram: @shay_colley Website: www.shaycolley.com  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I grew up in a pretty boring town 200 kilometres south of Perth in Western Australia. It had a beach and that’s about it. I live in Brunswick in Melbourne now. I like it.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I like blown out, over exposed imagery. I like the little faults and grain that cheap methods of production produce. I feel bad saying ‘grain’ though. It seems like some kind of hashtag. I really love faded pink and mustard hues.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I guess collage. I like reshaping.

4. What is your artistic process like?

Ah it’s different all the time. Generally I decide to do something and then I get really stressed and walk around the house. Then I might walk outside for an hour. Then I come home and drink coffee and then I sit down and procrastinate a little longer. Then it gets to about ten at night and I’ll put on some fantasy rap music or something blown out and I’ll start tearing out sheets and sheets from the piles of books that cover my floors. After that I take certain images and cut them, turning them in my hands over and over agin. It probably looks pretty manic and it kind of is.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I get stoked on the artwork of others. People like Jonas Wood or Rhys Lee. Painters. I wish I could paint. Painting is the fucking best. I also look at heaps of photography. I like images of trees, nudes and cars on fire. And food. I also really like balance. I want to find balance between two forms. Or more.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

I started making more and more work about four years ago when I had a big freak out. I was pretty depressed and anxious, and pretty much losing my mind. I found that just sitting down and making things took me out for a bit. Made me feel ok. I think art always makes me feel like there are people out there that view the world differently. That there are a range of views.

7. Where did you study?

I studied in Perth at the West Australian School of Art and Design, I think it’s called Central or something corporately misguided now. Maybe. I studied graphic design because at the time the people making the work I liked the most were graphic designers. Well, I thought they were at least.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years? Working in an agency?

Ah, I’m not sure. Probably pretty much the same. Working nine to five in some other field. Making art on the side. Wishing I did it more. Drinking more.

9. What about in ten?

Shit. Probably with kids and maybe a secondhand toyota.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I'd like to push what I’m doing. To feel like I’m at the top of what I can do. To feel free.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

I love pasta. Pasta. Pasta. Pasta. Reallllly simple pastas. Just olive oil and salt and garlic and one other component. That kinda stuff. Matched with a salad. I really love sashimi too. Oysters. I love oysters.

12. Favourite book?

A Confederate General from Big Sur, by Richard Brautigan.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I guess lo-fi.

14. What are your hobbies?

I love skateboarding. But I never do it. I ride my bike everyday. I guess that’s not really a hobby. But it makes me happy.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

A writer maybe.