How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?
All my life, apart from ten years I spent living in Europe. I was born and bred on the Northern Beaches and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Sydney.
What’s your favourite beach on the Northern Beaches?
Shelly because that coastal walk reminds me of the Amalfi coast, where I spent my honeymoon. It also has surf, restaurants, live music and my favourite locals. Bungan is my favourite surf beach.
What’s the best thing about the Northern Beaches?
It has such a relaxed, community feel to anywhere else in Sydney. The beaches are insane, and the people are what makes it amazing. You can spot people of Northern Beaches from anywhere. Especially over seas.
If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would that second-best place be?
Bangalow, west of Byron Bay.
What’s your favourite place to eat, drink or hang out?
Easy, that’s Hugo’s. It has the best service, atmosphere and food. I always have a good time and I’m always satisfied.
What inspired your cover artwork?
That would have to be the unique colour and shapes of the beautiful sandstone the Northern Beaches is built on. From beaches to headlands and rock formations, it’s something that we’re surrounded by every day.
What inspires you in general?
I love creating works that compliment a room, and add colour and emotion to the interior styling. I will almost always choose my colour pallet before I do anything else, and go from there. Other inspiration comes from past and present artists.
Which artists (or other inspiring people) would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Good question, I’d have to say Picasso as I’d definitely take away some pointers haha. Ricky Gervais – to remind me not to take life too seriously, just have fun and it’d obviously be a laugh. And probably Tiger Woods – I need to brush up on my golf game. Lastly, Michael Jordan. That mindset he has is incredible.
What is your favourite part of the artistic process?
I like having the freedom to make art up as I go. I don’t like being confined to a specific agenda.
How did you discover you had a gift for art?
It’s something I’ve always done. Creativity runs in my family and my son Charlie who is 4, already loves to draw. I’ve painted for as long as I can remember, and for me it’s a form of meditation.
What else are you working on at the moment?
I have an exhibition in Newport at the beginning of March at the Michael Reid Northern Beaches Gallery. I’m also collaborating with Designer Boys who specialise in high resolution wall art prints.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Finishing a piece and seeing it hung in a room.
How can people buy and support your art?
My work can be purchased through my website www.steveskinner.net or contact me on Instagram @steveskinner_art.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
There will be times of setback and times your imagination will dry up, which is normal. Be persistent. You can’t teach creativity, it’s something you’re born with so use your talent and don’t be afraid of what others think of your ability.
Any other words of wisdom for our readers?
I think everyone should have a go at painting. Getting creative in any form is a great way to release stress and best of all, it’s fun!
Do you have a suitably pretentious quote to impart?
Not sure who said it but it’s on a coffee mug my wife bought me. It reads, “Do more of what makes you happy”. I also like this quote from a movie, “When life gives you lemons, just say fuck the lemons and bail”.