Cover Artist… DJ Williams

A man who is continually sketching and painting, pursuing his muse, DJ Williams is a publishing legend having been Editor and Creative Director of Australian MAD magazine for many years. The Northern Beaches have always been home and a great inspiration for his art.

How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?

My entire life. I was conceived and born in Seaforth and have never moved too far away. Why would I? 

What’s your favourite beach?

I like Clontarf. It has memories of my youth, and a dog area which is cool.

What’s the best thing about the Northern Beaches?

Great question. You can take a place for granted when you’re tied up with work and bringing up a family. I find when I travel overseas and return home you understand exactly why this is such a great place to live. The Northern Beaches coastline is fantastic; laid back but also buzzing with ideas and energy.

Describe one of your fondest memories of life on the Beaches?

Zinc on the nose as kid, KFC surfboards, sunburn, and peeling skin. Then in my teens and 20s, going to the Manly Vale and Antler Hotels to see bands like INXS, Icehouse (Flowers), The Angels, Jimmy and the Boys, and heaps of others. Good times.

If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would that second-best place to live be?

In an Italian coastal village with a donkey for transport.

What inspired your cover art?

For me growing up, Christmas beetles were a massive part of childhood. The numbers of beetles seem to be dwindling over the decades. I say, “Bring Back the Beetle!” These two guys are relaxing during a summer break at the beach before being captured by youngsters. Remember kids – have a look but always let them go.

What inspires your art in general?

I don’t really know where it comes from, and if I think about it too much it may ruin my creative process. Let’s just say it happens, without too much trouble and I’m always looking for something new.

How would you describe your art?

My art comes from many places and it’s difficult to describe. Maybe optimistic dystopian with hints of absurdity and realism.

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

Everyone says Frida Kahlo and David Bowie because they have fascinating histories – so them – and maybe Gordon Ramsay who is a great chef and could cook for us and swear.

How did you discover you had a gift for art?

When I was very young, I read a lot of comics and copied those at first. Then I was given a paint-by-numbers picture of a horse and that was that. A seed was planted.

Did you study art?

Not officially however I did architectural studies and graphic design. I have always been interested in various art styles including cartooning, which led me to working at Australian MAD magazine for over 30 years.

What else are you working on?

I’m currently working on some paintings for exhibitions, local and interstate. Watch this space. I’m also creating murals for people who want to add value to their big walls.

What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

I can do it solitary while listening to loud music. 

What do you see, or would like to see, in the future of the Beaches art scene?

More local exhibitions and more local artists collaborating. There’s a lot of talent here. I would also like to see an art school/college based here in the Northern Beaches.

What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?

Enjoy art, but always have a back-up plan.