Richard Szymczuk - Artist
In our continuing series on Geelong Regional Contemporary Visual Artists I am pleased to present Richard Szymczuk a Contemporary Photographic Artist.
Tell us about you and your art a little…
I am a Geelong based, urban landscape photographer.
I photograph abandoned petrol stations, milkbars, old advertising signs, post WW2 architecture, street art, etc. My influence has been cinematic. I developed a fascination to the fringe locations depicted in American road movies in the mid 1980s, while studying graphic design. That started the quest for me, getting on my crappy pushbike with my 35mm Cosina camera in hand, to find similar locations in Geelong.
The most notable films for me were: ‘Paris Texas’ ,‘Vanishing Point’, ‘The Misfits’, ‘Repo Man’ and David Lynch’s ‘Blue Velvet’. I would get such a buzz, out of these movies. I was the age of approx 22 years, and my eyes opened wide, to the amazing landscapes and offbeat locations, depicted on the silver screen, combined with fantastic soundtracks, sound scapes, and intense/ quirky story lines.
I am a massive fan of David Lynch’s artistic vision and creating a sense of dread, within a location which
(Initially) looks ‘ideal and safe’. My photography has developed a more sinister feel over the past couple of years, shooting at night and under the full moon at creepy locations.
In terms of pets, I once owned a black Kelpie dog, by the name of Bronko.
How long have you been apart of the Visual Art scene here?
Since 1986, I have been documenting Geelong’s roadside vernacular. I have probably developed a little bit more of a profile over the past couple of years. I still feel to be on the fringes though. That’s OK, as I would like to have something ‘alternative’ to offer in a visual, artistic sense and perfecting the craft.
What do you like about being part of this region?
Practicality. Geelong is a good town to live in, with a relaxed pace and northerly aspect. Also, being a very keen Cats supporter in the AFL, I need to get a good fix of my footy news everyday.
A bit about your art background?
I have a Diploma in Graphic Design and an Advanced Diploma in Multi Media. But the real schooling is through observation and inspiration. I have exhibited primarily in-group exhibitions, and also exhibited solo in cafes and swanky restaurants. (Artwork should be accessible to people), especially while they have a café latte. I have yet to have my first ‘official solo show’, though I have many thousands of images to draw from, to present something very solid.
What do you do other than Art?
I work as a Gallery Technician. It’s good way of meeting visual artists and you certainly learn how to use power tools and work up a bit of a sweat at times, installing and packing up an exhibition.
I also freelance in stylized ‘character’ illustrations and architectural photography. One has to be versatile in an industrial city.
Do you catch up with other Artists in the region? If so how, what, where, when etc…
I feel that what I do in terms of photography, leaves me on the fringe somewhat, (much like the fringe locations) that I photograph, but I enjoy it that way. It’s fantastic to be photographing under a full moon at 3 am in summer. It almost seems like a privilege, to be under the stars at night while everybody is fast asleep, and witness/ record a dreamlike time and subject.
I have a few close friends who specialise in landscape painting, photography and web design. They offer good support and advice. They understand my vision.
Any local art projects you have been part of?
At present I have artwork in the ‘Geelong Regional Artists Exhibition 09’. Be sure to visit the show and see some Geelong talent!
Being a touristy area, do you take advantage of that somehow?
Geelong is a regional city with a strong industrial backbone and that is well ingrained in its history and culture. The Pivot city … ‘The Bradford of the South’, it has been, but now with the opening of the Geelong Bypass, the city seems desperate to be connected to the Surf Coast. I personally prefer that ‘perceived distance’ of the past. If I do go to the Surf Coast or the Bellarine Peninsula, it’s rarely with my camera.
There are various photographers, recording the beauty of the tourist beaches and forests etc, of Geelong and region. That market is well covered for. I avoid this genre of photography. To me, a beach is a beach … it could be anywhere.
Do you have a web presence?
Sure do. It is a Flash based website which I designed. One has to have a website, and also to consider networking through social websites i.e.: Face book, and interact with others with similar interests such as the websites: Flickr, Zenfolio,etc.
Richard Szymczuk’s website link:
The Documentary website link:
http://www.digitalzoo.com.au/lost/
Do you have a highlight in your art career you want to mention?
One highlight was having a video documentary produced, on my photography in 2003. It is a 27 minute, broadcast quality, documentary that ‘just missed’ being aired in ABC1.
The Documentary is titled: ‘Lost Highways: The roadside photography of Richard Szymczuk’.
Produced by ‘Digital Zoo Media’ in Melbourne. It’s a nifty documentary!! The story continues on today, with DSLR gear instead. If anything, that would make the documentary more relevant today, with so many more locations having been demolished, and me still documenting that process.
Also, having a photograph of mine, on the cover of Aussie pub rock legends: ‘Hunters and Collectors’ CD and vinyl single: (‘The Way You Live’).
The next highlight will be on a sunny blue sky day.
Are you working on anything, which has a local flavour?
Nearly everything that I photograph is local. I live here, so I may as well be observant. There are so many visual delights in the urban landscape of Geelong. It is an under-appreciated city. It is not just about beaches, sunsets and forests. I search for the beauty in the ugly.
Do you have representation at Melbourne or local galleries, and is this important for you?
At present , I do not have any representation. I see it as a case, of continually working on the process of recording images. Is time a factor? Money is a factor. In this GFC, one has to invest wisely and get a good return on their efforts. As a starving artist, yes, I have to diversify in regards employment and perhaps representation could lead my photography to be discovered by a much wider audience.
Any takers out there? Ha Ha !
Somebody who inspires me is Australian artist, Rosalie Gascoigne. She had her first solo show at the age of 57. She spent years perfecting her craft, creating a unique vision, and then ‘suddenly’ became a sensation. What a great Aussie story. Scrounging up found objects near her home and transforming them into something totally brilliant! The wait was well worth it.
Did you choose Art or did Art choose you?
It chose me! I loved to draw as a kid in primary school. It’s great fun, excercising the imagination with a fresh HB pencil! I still love to draw characters, especially in the concept and development stages. Drawing introduced me to colors, shapes and possibilities.
Any funny things happen while you exhibited or made art?
Yes. Don’t stand too far out on the road whilst taking a stunning photograph…. Cars can kill you!
Over the years I have become immune to the number of cars beeping at me and boofheads yelling out at me. But, it’s all good fun. That usually brings a wry smile to my face. At least somebody out there, is noticing my photography and passing comment. And at night. bring a torch with fully charged batteries.
Any advice for a young “Artist” contemplating dedicating their life to Art?
Avoid clichés. Stick to your artistic vision. As your vision develops, so too will your skills and concepts becoming fine tuned, or more ambitious/ dynamic, over the years.
Avoid ‘middle of the road opinions’ of your talents, from ‘mediocre people’ within the artistic realm.
If they don’t ‘get it’ …. remember what the VFL Footscray legend ‘Ted Whitten’ would say: ‘STICK IT RIGHT UP ‘EM !!’.
Any other pointers about making art locally you want to mention?
I wish Geelong had an Art Precinct, where there were studios and artist’s lofts in the city, supporting painters, sculptors, photographers, film makers etc. Geelong artists are spread all over the region. Where on earth is there a central point? Where is the artistic ‘cross pollination’ of concepts?
Also, I desire for an edgy, approachable art gallery/ space, to be established that does not take itself, too seriously, to cater for creative people and audience, open to: street wise, edgy, ironic, kooky, and fresh visions, much like various galleries in inner Melbourne.
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Compiled and edited by Steve Gray © 2009+
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