Steven Hall

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I work with lots of different mediums. I hand stretch and build canvas/linen, draw with soft charcoal, apply fixative, paint with oil glazing mediums before varnishing the finished product. I use the best quality paint. Although oils take a while to dry, I work quickly, and I am careful with my time, refusing accidental marks, favoring intentional placement. I chose the mediums I work with because they provide the best means to the end of painting.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

It all starts with an idea. I have an idea for a new work, or new series. I start to write and sketch ideas in a visual diary, or whatever else I can find. I work out the materials, time, budget. I gather all of the materials, go and take photos for reference, edit the photos. I stretch and oil prep canvas. I draw initial designs on the canvas from photos with soft charcoal and fix them in place, then I paint greyscale to establish tonal values, and glaze over with oils. Sometimes the process varies a bit, say, if I want to experiment with a new medium, but it's generally like this.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I have a beautiful studio at Bighouse Arts in Coburg North, Melbourne – not too far from where I live. The studio was once the office for a chocolate factory, and there are lots of creatives there – photographers, painters, writers, graphic designers, printmakers – it is a sanctuary and a wonderful place to work.