John Gatip’s practice is a transection between Art and Architecture examining the layers where the two disciplines collide together. His Filipino heritage has strongly influenced his appreciation for the arts and craft. He has a Masters of Architecture degree from Melbourne School of Design. John has exhibited locally in Australia as well as Internationally. His work predominantly explores forms taken from architecture and amalgamates them to create unique compositions.
What medium(s) do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work in a variety of mediums. My latest exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery Sonnets of Colour explored two rectangular prisms through painting using oils. This body of work emerged from the 2020 Covid Lockdown pandemic where I gave myself a challenge to paint three quick painting exercises per week. I chose this medium as it was a way to learn about architectural forms in a different medium. Prior to this I was exploring resin casting, plaster casting and 3D printing. These mediums I learnt and used in my architectural profession and help the symbiotic relationship between art and architecture.
Can you elaborate a little more on your making process — how does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
It really starts with narrative. A lot of my work revolve around a story. Whether it is a fable that I’ve conceived or a real experience, my artworks are representations of these stories. Sometimes these stories are just for me but some are stories I like to share. The idea of storytelling through artworks is the crux of my process. I then use the tools I have around me to explore and create.
Who or what are the biggest influences on your work?
I’m a big fan of David Umemoto, who I regard as a master mould maker and his use of concrete and architectural forms is out worldly. Another is Jonny Niesche and his bold use of colour. Another is Mark Rothko and his abstraction of space through colour and texture of paint. I also look to history such as the renaissance masters and how they were multi-disciplined. This multi-disciplinarity and how it can shift or even enhance my perspective is important in influencing the work I do whether in art or architecture.
How do you keep your creative juices flowing? How do you push past creative block?
I consume narratives and that’s what really gets me going. If I’m stuck or looking for inspiration, books are always a great resource for me to get my brain ticking again. I also value seeing what other artists or designers do. Learning from exhibitions at galleries and museums contribute a lot to my thought process.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I’m very fortunate to have a space that I can take over when I’m creating a new body of work. It is a north facing sun room with glazing to three sides that allows a lot of natural sunlight as views out to the garden. This is where I do a lot of sculptural works and sometimes carry through to the garage. I do my painting in a room adjacent to my bedroom where it is clad in timber. This warm cosy environment allows me to distil and be vulnerable with my emotions. The lounge room becomes my display room for my family to critique the work. The whole house gets a good use when I’m creating.
If you could go on an Artist’s Residency anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
When I had my first show in Puglia back in 2019, I fell in love with the laid-back environment of South East Italy. The history, buildings and the Adriatic sea are imprinted in my brain. Apart from the art, design and architecture of Italy, the food is something that really draws me that place. That part of the world has a special place in my heart.
What’s next for you after your time at Brunswick Street Gallery? What upcoming projects are you working on now?
I’ve got my next show in the pipework and will be taking the year or so to develop the body of work. I’m looking to explore what I’ve learned from my process in painting and translate this back to sculptures. I’m always learning, exploring and seeing what opportunities that I can create for my next pieces. I’m also trying to expand my art practice and that in itself is a project.
John Gatip’s Sonnets of Colour is currently showing at Brunswick Street Gallery.