Local Artist Series // Aaron Craig
Who are you and what do you create?
I’m Aaron Craig. I’m a pop artist from Dicky Beach. I paint in a style I refer to as 'pop mash’ where I combine elements from cartoons, comics, products and advertising to create something both foreign and familiar.
What materials and techniques do you use?
Most of my pieces start as sketches in Photoshop or in Procreate on the iPad Pro. I use these for layout and colour before I start painting so I know what the final piece will look like before I begin painting. I use acrylic paint on either canvas or canvas paper for the majority of my work. I have been known to paint onto salvaged and collected objects like vintage handsaws, sheet music books and match books. My next solo show consists of work painted mostly onto QSL Ham Radio cards from the 1940s-80s.
What kind of inspirations go into your work?
I choose subjects that give me a feeling of nostalgia. I grew up in the 80s / 90s so often cartoons / toys from that period are represented in my work. The same goes with brands and products from that time. If it was popular in the 80s and 90s the chances are its been featured in my art at some point.
In what space do you like to create most?
My ’studio’ is actually a big old double garage in my back yard. Ideally I’d love a larger and tidier space but the reality is that I paint from home because I have 2 young boys. Music and a clean studio space are essential!
What has been your favourite or most important work to date?
My favourite piece is called ‘Morning Dance’. Its the only painting I have done purely for my family. It features the cartoon theme songs that my 2 boys dance to in the mornings - Mighty Mouse, Batman, Speed Racer, and Spiderman. It has prime position on the walls in our home.
