Neda Starac

1. What part of the process of creating art do you like best?

Experimenting!!! I like to express myself in a new way every so often depending on my moods and inner feelings towards the world and everything that touches me. Finding a new approach to my work, thinking about new ideas and using my imagination.

2. What is your working environment like?

Good. My studio is cluttered but that does not bother me because I really like to paint and sculpt in my garden or patio which have more space; any corner that feels right when I have a new idea. The garden is great for big paintings and messy work.

3. What kind of (formal and informal) art training have you had?

1981 Diploma in Recreational Art, International Correspondence School

1979-1980 Diploma in Art Studies, Fremantle Technical College

1977-1979 Certificate in Art Studies, Fremantle Technical College

Early exposure to sculpting was gained from my neighbour who was a sculptor and I loved to around him from the age of eight to twelve.

4. How has your art training affected the kind of art your produce?

Studio painting and my senior lecturer Eric Chan contributed to my already outrageous ideas at the time by allowing me to freely express myself. It gave me the skills and technical ability to follow my ideas through to completion.

5. Name some important influences and inspirations in your art career.

Pablo Picasso, Vasily Kardinsky, Marc Chagall, Salvatore Dali

“D’Art Moderne”

Mr Tcifrovic (the sculptor mentioned above)

6. What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?

Not always have enough materials when you have so ideas can be disappointing.

7. Have there been major turning points in your art career?

CAS of Victoria acceptance to have a solo exhibition – “Scintillating” CAS Space Windows, Collins St Melbourne, Victoria was the greatest in my view. Inventing new ways of painting, making new images on my own from new inspirations and imaginations.

8. What has been the highlight of your art career?

Highlights of my art career are people appreciating and being moved by my work, even when I do not paint what they love. Quotes from attendees at my exhibitions like “when I look at your work it is beautiful but when I put my glasses on the whole world opens up” or “you have discovered the secret of life”. Other artists buying and loving my work is also uplifting.