You originally studied and worked as a civil engineer, what led you to a career in the arts?
I was poorly advised at high school. In those days they advised everyone to be a geologist and I wasn’t suited to it. I got sick of civil engineering and moved into the arts. My first job was as a prop designer at a lead department store in Brisbane.
I moved to Melbourne because I heard it was the centre of the arts scene in Australia.
I started out doing a sort of collage painting, then I moved into acrylics and oils. I had a couple of exhibitions in Melbourne and Brisbane.
You moved to Castlemaine in 1972, what was that like?
It was a place that made artists welcome, even in those days. I was introduced to other artists, potters, and musicians.
It was difficult to find a job, so I created one. I set up as a sign writer, painter, decorator, and paper hanger. I did that for a few years and then in 1980, I was offered a job managing the Theatre Royal. I did that for almost 20 years, working with Ray Lindstrom. He ran the nightclub and I ran the cinema.
During the 80s, hundreds of cinemas were closing around the country, but we were committed to keeping the theatre open.
After that, I worked at the theatre as a projectionist and did stage lighting.
What are you up to at the moment?
I usually prefer to work out in the bush, the hills, cliffs, and trees but at the moment I’m making sculptures out of lights and double adaptors.
I live with my partner Tracey Naughton who is a fabric artist and fellow political activist. We made a piece together called, ‘Redpoles’. I designed it using electrical cords and Tracey did the weaving. It took hundreds of hours.
Have you got any other interests?
History and beauty. In fact, that’s what caught my attention at first about Castlemaine. The seasons are so special, autumn and spring, we didn’t have that in Queensland. And I love the respect for the built environment.
What music do you enjoy?
I actually played electric bass in bands many years ago, playing make-it-up-as-you-go-along jazz. My tastes are eclectic, I like opera and jazz and Miles Davis and Joan Sutherland.
What are you reading at the moment?
Rob Murdoch’s new book Finchie. It’s gripping.
What are your pet peeves?
The unchecked proliferation of plants and animals that are upsetting the continent. If we allow introduced pests in our country we’re not honouring or caring for the first people or their country.
Who would your three dream dinner guests be and what would you talk about?
Germain Greer, Paul Keating, and my son Lock, so he can do the cooking and join in the conversation.
I’d prefer to listen first before asking questions. I like to size up the situation before I make a fool of myself.
I wish I could learn to do that! Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Live every day as your last.
That’s a fantastic way to live. Finally, what do you love about the place you call home?
People generally say it’s friendly, but I like the fact that widely different social groups of people can live harmoniously together.