Artist’s statement.

My former years as a novelist have taught me that an artist-painter can create a unique world in which to stage his thought. The narrative of a free and speculative fiction provides me with a storied space where I can work. In painting, this is called a meditative space and it serves me well. From allegory and memory to current events and real time, I have a major body of work in front of me.

I am a urban painter and my work is figurative.  It is tied into living in the built environment and the adjustments and habits we impose upon ourselves. I see life in terms of streets and rooms and making life habitable. The meditative space is filled with people who, alone or together make the best of their condition.  They work or rest and hold their emotions dear. Living in a city they m ake their life and the life of their families as best they can.

While my work is not disclosure, my memory is the well from which I draw my direction.  The narrative of this life with all its conflicts and joys has become the narrative of my painting.

Methods & influences

Drawing has been a central part of my art from the beginning. Much of my work begins in charcoal and graduates into oil on canvas. Attending art school and raised in the studio system I have been working under and with craftsmen all my creative life.  My influences have been the Russian painters of the thirties and international artists of the seventies. My development has been influence through my studies of Anthony Galbraith, Rodchenco, Malevich, Tatlin, Kandinski, Bacon and Hopper. My study is ongoing.

Robin Stewart -  June 2010

1941       Born in Melbourne, Victoria

2008       Stewart’s second novel, Mcity was published and awarded a commendation in the Fellowship of Australian writers (FAW) in 2009.

2008       Invited to joined the Swan Street Studios as a full time artist-painter.

2010       Short-listed in the 2010 Lethbridge10,000 Prize

2010       Short-listed in the 2010 Archangel Prize.

2010       Represented by Artistry Galleries GOLD COAST.

EDUCATION: and educated in art at Monash University (Caulfield campus).

Robin has three adult daughters and lives in Melbourne with his first wife.

HONORARY POSITIONS HELD:

Director,  Victorian Tapestry Workshop. (5 years)

Director, The Film Centre Council of Victoria. (7 years) and Director, Life be in It. (5 years)