Australian Contemporary artist Fran O’Neill discusses her work with Gold Coast Art Gallerist Tove Langridge

After recently returning from New York City to her home town in Victoria Australia, artist Fran O’Neill discusses settling into her new studio and making new work with her galleries Tove Langridge.

Q) It’s great to see you in your studio and share your latest body of work with everyone.  Your workplace is so full of light! I know you have been constructing your studio over the past couple of years since you returned from New York. How do you find working here in a rural area as opposed to working right in the centre of a bustling city like the Big Apple? Tove Langridge

A) Sometimes I think the Victorian country couldn’t be more opposite than New York (although, I am not in a desert :). It has taken some mental transitioning to get used to the ‘quiet’, and being by myself. I do miss being able to access great shows, and the randomness of filtering people and experiences that come at you so fast that a city brings. The big gift that I didn’t know I needed has been time and quiet. And in contrast to people I’ve learnt to watch for nature to come at me randomly and at its ‘nature pace’. This has allowed my work to gestiate in ways that I don’t think would’ve happened in a city. Fran O’Neill

Q) Do you find that the change of pace, and quieter natural surroundings have influenced your practice and the work? Tove Langridge

A) Light and the idea of capturing it the fleeting moment has always held a certain kind of fascination. I had a friend visit recently from New York and she kept commenting on how ‘white’ the light is. Every time I’d come back to Australia when I was in New York, the smell of the bush and combination of the crispness of the air – always held a comfort to me. Immersing myself in a rural location where those sensations permeate constantly must have an influence. I’ve begun to not be so conscious of how it might be influencing me, but rather just to let it happen. I love being in my studio. I am so present there when I’m  making my paintings, no to little distraction, no city, just quiet. Fran O’Neill

Q) You are an avid hiker, often hiking for multiple days where you venture deep within nature and the elements. How do those experiences influence your work when you return to the studio?  Tove Langridge

A) I walk often in my area, and have taken various longer hikes over the years. Both feel like a gift that keeps on giving. I feel like there is not a day that goes by that I am not in awe of nature. The light, the surprises. Living experiences have to have an influence. That’s the beauty of nature, and living in general.  Fran O’Neill