Art News

Meet the Others: Vynka Hallam

The Game Changers. The Rule Breakers. The Innovators. Discover some of the fantastic emerging talent showcasing their work at The Other Art Fair.

Meet Vynka Hallam. Vynka’s work is imbued with the beauty of her experiences, places she has been and the people she has met along the way. Her work celebrates these experiences through exaggerated colour and perspectives, intentionally exposing brush marks and paint drips to show signs of the hand made and contribute to the visual environment of her works. 


Q&A with the Artist

Tell us about who you are and what you do. What’s your background?

I was raised in a very creative environment in Perth; my great grandmother was an artist and opera singer and my mother has always been a very creative person. So as a self-taught artist, I was always encouraged to follow my creative pursuits and began drawing in charcoal at a young age.

Where do you draw inspiration from and what does your work aim to say?

Originally from Perth, my husband and I have been performing volunteer work for the past 10 years in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Solomon Islands and the Philippines. Subjects are a diverse fusion of my personal travels and experiences along with memories and encounters with the special individuals I met. I find moments that inspire me, endeavour to capture them and translate it into my art so my audience can experience it as well. The greatest joy is to see others connect and celebrate the little bit of satire and originality that I love to assemble in each piece. My hope is that my audience gains as much enjoyment from my completed works as I gain from the creative process.

Can you walk us through your process for creating a work?

Firstly, I have to find it inspiring, when this spark occurs, I need to get drawing and painting straight away and usually the creative juices flow freely from that, and my husband will tell you its hard to tear me away from it while this stage is happening.

Who are your biggest influences and why?

Probably nature is my biggest influence,I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than whats found in nature, however I do very much enjoy viewing many diverse types of artists works, their styles, subjects, mark making and colour selections. Also a wide range of music is a very big influence whilst painting, from classical through to rock, contingent on the mood.

 

What can people expect from you next?

I derive a lot of enjoyment from painting various subjects and styles, so its always a nice surprise whats next!

Do you have any exciting projects/opportunities coming up?

I have a duo show/ exhibit coming up in August 2020. Which will be curated by Amber Cresswell Bell, showing at Michael Reid Gallery.

What is the best advice given to you as an artist?

There are no rules with art.

Can you tell us something about yourself people might be surprised to hear?

Sometimes I dance at home alone.

Shop artwork by Vynka and other trailblazing artists at The Other Art Fair’s Online Studios.

Introducing The Other Art Fair Online Studios, a new online platform offering art lovers around the world access to over 800 Fair artists. The Online Studios will keep our community feeling inspired, engaged, and continue to spread joy through art.