INTERVIEW:

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Patrick: Who are you and what is your art-style?

 

Joel: I am Joel Barta, and I like to draw. My art-style consists of biro drawing mostly, and I strive for that detail and finesse.

 

Patrick: When did you start doing art?

 

Joel: When I was a young’un and my clothes back then wouldn’t fit me now.

 

Patrick: How did you get involved into the art community?

 

Joel: Well, I took pen to paper, and I flicked that wrist. I flicked that wrist, and people liked it. So I showed people, and now I’m getting taught by Gwen and that’s as far as it goes for the moment. I’m planning to make a splash in that pond.

 

Patrick: Have you or do you have any formal arts training?

 

Joel: I went to school and I did art class, but it was very restrictive. They don’t let you flap your wings, but I am now taking lessons from a little old lady. She is teaching me how to oil paint.

 

Patrick: How were the high-school classes restrictive?

 

Joel: They don’t let you do what you want to do because they’ve got a curriculum to follow.

 

Patrick: How important is art to you?

 

Joel: It’s pretty important to me, without it, I might be someone else.

 

Patrick: How important do you think art is for society in Melbourne?

 

Joel: It’s as important as worms are to dirt.

 

Patrick: How long do you spend on your art each week approximately?

 

Joel: A little here, and a little there, but sometimes a lot there and a little over there.

 

Patrick: Are your friends and family supportive of your art ventures?

 

Joel: Indeedio. They like it, and they think I should make that splash.

 

Patrick: Do you need a job to help supplement your art?

 

Joel: I do because nothing is free.

 

Patrick: How do you get an audience to your work?

 

Joel: I’m going to try a little bit of Instagram, where all the meals are.

 

Patrick: Do you have any art career aspirations, in maybe the 5 to 10 year range?

 

Joel: I’d like to be able to live in a house. I’d like to supply that money with my artwork, and there I may live in the house.

 

Patrick: Do you have any advice for new students or other people who want to get into the art scene?

 

Joel: You gotta flick that wrist, until it’s just right.

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Interviewed and writtten by Patrick Lunney (2016)

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