We are very happy to welcome Petra Pinn, the second artist that Petite Collection is presenting with a mini solo.
Petra's work is always popular in our curations, but it was at last year's Affordable Art Fair in Sydney that we witnessed the huge re-action that people had when engaging with her works in person. Quite simply they were struck by them!
The details in Petra's works are always witty and delightful and the colour choices surprising and alive. We've watched Petra go from strength to strength in the last two years in her career with collections in prestigious galleries, selections in art prizes and it's been so exciting to watch! We recently sat down with Petra and had a chat about her journey as an artist and what has inspired this latest mini solo collection.
How long have you been painting for, and can you name some of your career highlights?
I have been painting for about 12 years. A career highlight has been a sold-out show in a gallery in Holbrook as well as being approached by a well-known European designer rug company to collaborate with as well as a puzzle company buying my work.
Your work including this mini solo collection often includes paintings by Matisse in interior scenes. How has Matisse inspired your work?
I was lucky enough to visit the 'Matisse Museum' in Nice in 2019. It left a huge impression on me. I love Matisse's direct approach to painting, his sense of composition - especially when painting still lives and interiors. I also like how he incorporates patterns, which I like to do as well, playing with form and colours...sometimes decorative, always playful.
You often paint animals, birds and domestic scenes. Is this inspired by your own home or places you've visited?
Yes, certainly inspired by my own animals, as they have always been a part of 'my family' and I feel we can learn from our pets, learn to enjoy the moment and to relax a little more, when life is going too fast. I have a huge respect for nature and all animals in it, I like to observe their beauty and characters. My rooms are inspired by places I might have visited or like, mostly a combination of my own imagination and real places.
Have you studied anywhere?
I have studied 'textile design' in Krefeld, Germany and worked as a designer in Como, (Italy) as well as Auckland (New Zealand) and Sydney.
How long have you been living in Australia and what do you enjoy most about it?
I moved to Australia late December 1996. I love the Australian fauna (especially the birdlife) and flora, the ocean and overall climate. I like that the country is less crowded than Europe, therefore people seem to be more relaxed in everyday living. I also like the variety of cultures and hope to experience more of the indigenous culture in the future.
What advice would you have for any emerging artists?
It helps if you take your job as an artist seriously, without taking yourself too seriously. What I mean is it takes time and many hours of practice getting good at whatever medium you choose. I don't believe in 'short cuts'. Put as much time as you can into your art practice, rather than copying other artists, yet you can seek inspiration from long dead artists. Because of the lack of technology and the distraction that comes with it - they became 'old masters', they took time to observe, practice and develop their amazing skills. I also trust the galleries I work with regarding 'selling work', as it is hard to 'do it all', so developing a good relationship with a gallery might help.
