KEN DONE — Soul Safari

"A studio is like a kitchen. It's where you create, where hopefully you make things that other people will enjoy."

Ken Done's first solo exhibition was held in Sydney in 1980. Since then, he has held over 50 one-man shows, including major exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan and the USA. His ebullient work has been described as the most original style to come out of Australia, and his paintings are in collections throughout the world. Ken's work is now widely recognised as holding a unique position in Australia's cultural heritage. In 1992, he received the Order of Australia (A.M.) for services to art, design and tourism. In many parts of the world, Ken Done has come to symbolise Australia and Australians: creative, optimistic and bold.

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What was your pivot point?

Leaving school at 14 to go to art school. Then leaving advertising at 35 to devote my life to painting. I had my first exhibition in 1980. I was 40, but I'd spent a lot of time getting ready.

Photo: Graham Munro.

Where is your soul space?

My studio at Chinaman's Beach in Sydney (shown here) or my studio in my gallery in the Rocks. A studio is like a kitchen. It's where you create and where hopefully you make things that other people will enjoy.

Photo: James Whineray.

If you could do anything, what would you do next?

Have a nice exhibition of reef paintings in New York.

Photo: Cobalt And Violet Coralhead 2014.

Are you following the path of a trailblazer?

All artists learn from all other artists. Art does not drop out of the sky and hit only one person on the head. In time, you find your own voice and your own style.

Photo: Books in the studio at the gallery.

What's your advice for someone going through their own transformation?

You really have to want it. Really, really want it. There are no shortcuts and only through work will you find the way.

Photo: Sunday 1982, from the Cabin.

All images used with permission of Ken Done Gallery.