Artist Statement for Australian artist Garry Purcell 

Artist Statement for Australian artist Garry Purcell 

I am an Australian artist whose practice is centred around an exploration of identity and a celebration of the beauty of nature.

My work is often inspired by the stories, experiences and emotions of my own life, drawing on the unique perspectives afforded by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures. Through my paintings I strive to create a space of contemplation, exploring the complexities of the human condition and the beauty of the natural world. I am particularly interested in the way colour and texture can be used to capture the spirit of a place or a moment in time. My practice is driven by a desire to create works which reveal something of the truth of our shared existence and the interconnectedness of all living things.

I have always had an affiliation for the Arts, and an early age entered many art competitions, and usually won the division I chose to enter.

I spent a few years overseas, mainly in the UK where he painted a few wall murals. Unfortunately my sketches and paintings from those years, are lost somewhere in Europe, and sadly no records were kept of them.

Upon my return to Australia, my interest declined in entering competitions, although I did enter one, in 2003 a competition in the U.S. for a Christmas Card, and my design was declared outright winner. I haven’t entered anything since.

I was selected to teach at the 2010 Grafton ArtFest in N.S.W. which ran for 5 days consecutive.