Patrick Christie Ink III

Christie’s career is an unusual one: as a young child he demonstrated an extraordinary talent, which was nurtured by local professional artists residing nearby, and attendance at summer schools at the local university. One of the most salient lessons he acquired was from one particular artist who advised: ‘Paint what you know, not what you see’. To this day, Christie has followed this advice, conducting intensive research into the nature of the objects he selects to depict: for example, the humble garlic bulb – the manner in which it grows, the way it moves, the weight of the object, its purpose. As he has noted:

“I set up still lifes but found I didn’t possess enough things I actually wanted to draw. They largely just sat there as I worked away, hardly giving them a glance. Before long I stopped setting them up completely. Painting what I know, not what I see became the basis of practising my art.”

It is the elegant simplicity of Christie’s art practice which has proven the most engaging: the creation of a supremely intricate drawing out of 3 very quite basic items: a blank page; the finest nib; and a well of ink.

The patience required for these demandingly detailed works, with a piece sometimes having had over 200 hours invested, would prove challenging for most; however, bearing in mind, Christie’s former job as a specialist horse trainer, before turning to his art practice on a full time basis, warrants mention. Indeed, it was the result of a serious accident from a horse, that Christie realized his true calling. As he recalls:

“I broke fingers on both my hands, with one of the bones almost shattering on my drawing hand. When the doctor suggested to just patch me up, he assumed I didn’t use my hands for any particular skill. I replied, ‘I do actually.’ That’s when I knew I had to take my art seriously—before it was taken away from me. I found the best hand surgeon available and a long rehabilitation process began.”

As Christie has observed, his art practice is an intoxicating affair; each and every day he is compelled to draw; from the first line on a fresh sheet of archival paper, “it’s difficult to stop.”

For further information and /or images, please contact the gallery directly on (03)9417 2828 or email: enquiries@catherineasquithgallery.com

Exhibition commences on 3rd May, with an opening night scheduled for Thursday 5th May, 6 to 8pm, and continues until 21st May 2011.

Previews by appointment are welcome. Works from the exhibition are selling now.