Cover artist… Jake Graham

What inspires your art?

It’s a balance between nature, which can be anything related to the ocean, forests, birds, animals, insects, you name it, but also, being in the signage industry by trade. I have a lot of exposure to big building projects and have a deep appreciation for architecture. Combining these, I try to incorporate the sharp, straight edges of a building’s design with the free-flowing elements of nature.

What’s your favourite part of the creative process?

It’s always exciting at the beginning of a project when I’ve got a fresh canvas, and am speaking with the client, brainstorming ideas. This is when the creative juices are flowing. The middle stages can be a war ground, battling doubts. The love comes back nearer to completion. Then I can spend days applying the finer details and any finishing touches, getting it just right.

What inspired the cover?

I grew up taking drives to Palm Beach, watching the sunset at the wharf there. I’ve always found that part of the Northern Beaches so chilled out, and has such a unique vibe. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Sydney at all. The afternoon that inspired this month’s Tawny cover, while I was watching the sunset unfold, the sky was more purple than I’d ever seen. I can’t remember what season it was or what could have caused that, but the water was so calm, the lights just turned on and it all came together. I took a quick snap on my phone and started working on it.

What plays on your mind when creating murals and outdoor artworks?

Sometimes when I talk with clients about the type of mural they’re after, and I mention that I have a background in graffiti and street art. I can see their faces change to a querying look of, “Did you tag my shop back in the day? Was that you?!” No, no, that wasn’t me! I explain how certain murals will have a graffiti element, and that the word graffiti is simply based on using the spray can. You can educate people and remove any negative connotations tied to the word, “graffiti.” Speaking about street art in general, it can easily put people offside initially, but explaining the process behind it, the dedication that goes into it, and the incredible skill required, you quickly win people over.

There is a different pressure to creating a mural that will occupy a public place, that will guide my decision-making to a degree. I want to ensure I create a work of art that doesn’t offend anyone, and that will best serve the space.

How did you get involved with DiversArty?

I was trying to take my art to the next level. With a few canvases under my belt, my aim was simple – to get into a gallery. I went to every art gallery from Palm Beach to Manly, getting a lot of no’s, but one maybe. That was DiversArty, and they asked me to come in and show them a painting in person. I was really nervous, not knowing what to say or to talk about, just starting off with blurting, “Here’s my painting.” DiversArty’s Wayne and Donna replied calmly, “Hi mate, how you going?” That settled my nerves, and they’ve supported me ever since.

Any final words of wisdom for reader and other artists?

Always have an open mind, and know there will be hurdles, but just keep pushing, keep learning.