Growing up in Townsville, Adam was influenced by his father’s career as an artist. After pursuing a career in the music industry, and not making any money, Adam realised that he could earn money doing something he loved, through his art.

It’s clear that his new inspirations are his family, which keep his busy and motivated to try and experiment with new things. Adam says that it’s been particularly rewarding seeing his son John take an interest in art as well.

For more of Adam’s paintings, visit his website, and like his Facebook page for the latest updates. It’s worth popping over to his Red Bubble store as well, where you can purchase prints, cards and other exciting goodies.

How have you got to where you are today?

I first started painting in 1998. I was still living at home with my parents north of Townsville.

At the time I had been chasing a musical career but not earning any money. My father who is also an artist decided to move from where he had been painting in the garage to inside the house. So there was a studio sitting there waiting for me and I decided to give it a go.

After a few months of experimenting I sent a few pieces off to a gallery in Noosa. They sold quickly and I received my first cheque. It was the first time I realised that I could do something I loved and earn a living at the same time. I’ve always seen painting as an extension of music.

I feel all art forms are like a mirror not only of the artist but also of the viewer as well. So I took all the things I had learnt from music into my painting.

In a few words, describe yourself…

I’m the stereotypical artist in many ways…serious, sensitive and reclusive.

I tend to live in my own bubble, but like most people, I have another side that is sociable and interested in what is going on in the world. Having a family with two young children changes your outlook on life and makes you a broader person.

What are you spending your time on at the moment?

I paint almost every day so that is my primary focus at the moment. I’m also busy setting up my new website as well.

Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?

I don’t have specific ritual that I repeat over and over. My process tends to be a game I play with myself to try and put myself into a new situation with every painting.

I’ve always been suspicious of artists that fall into a certain trademark style and then churn that out. I understand the commercial trap that is very tempting. When a gallery rings and says, “We could have sold that painting 10 times over” it can be difficult not to repeat yourself. I’ve been down that road myself and seen others do it too.

After awhile something dies and what started out as a burst of creative expression veers into interior decoration. I understand the commercial realities but I strive to find a balance.

So if I do have a ritual or process it’s to -not- have any process and break any habits that start to form. I strongly feel the best work comes from a place of mystery and surprise. For that same reason I never do commissions.

What or who inspires you?

Artists that have always strived to reinvent themselves over their careers are my biggest inspirations. People like Picasso, Miles Davis, Prince, The Beatles, Hendrix.

Lately my biggest inspiration is my 6 year old son John. I watch him paint and marvel at his pureness and lack of fear. He isn’t worried about whether his painting will sell or not.

I also feel the greatest inspirations come from first hand experience. Those moments when you feel as though something flows through you without your control. Those magic moments can be the biggest inspiration of all.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my family. My beautiful wife and two young children…my kids are my greatest achievements.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always known I would be a creative of some sort. It doesn’t really matter to me what outlet i choose. I’d be happy to stop painting tomorrow and start writing or go back to music.