Gary Reef
http://www.garyreef.com/
All images are copyright by the artsit. Please do not use without permission.
Take one Aussie kid living in Outback Australia in the 70's. Administer a big spoon full of country Bumpkin seasoned with extra amounts of creativity. Add good old fashion table wisdom served in loving heapfuls from a wise parent. Shake, bake, then relocate to the tropical Rainforests of Northern Australia. Add nature, a playful attitude and stir vigorously, layer hormones, hammer in early 90's music with a love for drawing.Combine a sense of humor and a good sprinkle of laid back attitude, then leave to rise naturally. Next add a keen interest in experimentation and a love for art, lightly whisk 1 part 'ability' with 8 parts love for all things weathered and decayed, throw in some bitumen, nails, glue, found objects and a few lumps of heartbreak. Then some art school, add a twist of fate for good measure. Season and relocate to Norway, add love, a language , isolation with a good hearty dousing of dedication and determination. Let simmer for a few years and garnish with copious amounts of passion.
I am an Australian Mixed Media Artist who now lives in a remote part of Norway (surrounded by forests). My work for the past 6 years has been focused on creating interesting texture and layering techniques.
Being a mixed media artist i like to use lots of different materials, those include- Bitumen (Tar/Asphalt), Glue, Acrylics, Tiling filler/Sparkle, Spray Paint,Oil crayons, Foil, Metal, Encaustic Wax, Plexiglass and other found objects. I also like to work with video.
My two main areas of interest are Painting and Assemblage. In regards to painting, I have two distinct styles, one I would classify as being figurative and the other Contemporary Abstract.
I have followed my heart in terms of my art education and have been a bit of a nomad. Studying art at university and taking many workshops/courses over the years with traveling and local artists.
I exhibit rarely due to location and also lack of interest of being in the spotlight.
I conduct workshops both 'live' and 'online' and I am also the creator of a social network 'Loving Mixed Media' which is a meeting place for mixed media artists from all over the world.
I am very laid back, I drink far too much coffee and my moto is 'Inspire, Create and Educate while having a darn good time'
