Cover Artist… Tristan Grindrod

Shortly before last Christmas, Tristan emailed the Tawny to share an early version of what would become this month’s cover art, and to see what was possible to exhibit his illustrative talents in the Frogmouth print. From this inquiry developed an 8-part cartoon series for the ages, “Thrones of Brooky”, with Tristan going onto immortalise many a local icon, and establish Brookvale, in comic form, as the hotbed of Machiavellian machinations that Florence, Kings Landing, and not even the Canberra Bubble can dream of.

How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?

I was born in Manly and grew up in North Narrabeen. I’ve tried to escape a few times but always come running back.

Describe one of your fondest memories of life here?

Introducing my son to the water for the first time in Manly when he was tiny.

What inspired your cover art?

The Tawny Frogmouth’s incredible camouflage. Similar to the Northern Beaches itself, it is part of, but apart from its surroundings in all the best ways.

What inspires your art in general?

Novelty and flow. I am a junkie for novelty, anything that can grab my imagination. From there it’s all about flow, to fall into the process and be one with it. 

What is your favourite part of the artistic process?

Getting so excited about an idea that it can’t get out quick enough and my drawing hand can’t keep up.

Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?

I have been an avid fan of Normal Lindsay since I was quite young. I’d want to be a fly on the wall to see how he works and find out how he could be so prolific. Salvador Dali would be very entertaining to hang with, as long as he’s paying.

How did you discover you had a gift for art?

I’m still swimming deep in imposter syndrome so struggle to say I have any gift, but drawing was encouraged by everyone around me, at home and school since I can remember.

Did you study art?

Yes, but not at art school. I am mostly self-taught, relying on books and galleries. This is going to make me sound old, but we didn’t have camera phones growing up and the internet wasn’t around, so when I saw some art that I liked and wanted to remember I had to draw it myself. Recreating art you admire is a great way to learn how it is done, develop skills and use them yourself. I did a short course on cartooning and illustration as an adult though, and wish I’d gone to a proper art school when I was younger.

What are you working at the moment?

I’m working with Dad and Dave’s Brewing on some limited-edition beer cans, as well as holding a group show in early January at The Imaginer Gallery in Manly showcase some of the best illustrative art the Northern Beaches has to offer… many of whom have been featured in the Tawny.

What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

Creating something out of nothing or transforming one thing into another.

What would like to see in the future of the Beaches art scene?

I would love to see the contemporary art scene become more energetic, to wake up and buzz. I’m hoping to help this through my work with The Imaginer Gallery and all the new friends I’ve made since working with the Tawny on Thrones of Brookvale.

What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?

Don’t overthink it, just do the thing. Get your start when you’re young and free from too much responsibility. It’s easier to go to art school and work on your craft when you don’t have bills to pay and mouths to feed.