ELLIOTT ROUTLEDGE — Soul Safari

"You'll know when it hits you."

Artist Elliott Routledge – AKA ‘Numskull’ – is an Australian contemporary artist based in Sydney. Applying his bold aesthetic to canvas paintings, hand-made sculptures and large scale public murals, his work is living proof that changing an environment changes attitudes – his high-vibe public murals change the pulse in places across Australia and around the world.

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Tell us a little about your current work/ practice/ project - what do you do, and what inspires you to do it?

My current work is made up of gallery exhibitions, installations, and also large-scale public art pieces. I'm inspired by the idea to leave something beautiful and thoughtful on the landscape - to shock and effect people.

How does your work enrich your life or the lives of others?

I hope it would make people smile or think differently.

Can you share a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

NEVER TOO LATE - a mural adjacent to Ashfield Train Station in Sydney. I was given the opportunity to paint these words as large as I could next to one of Sydney's busiest train corridors. To affect that many people is something I'm really proud of.

What was the pivot point that set you on your current path?

I've kind of always been on this path. It was more a tipping point that made me realize I could make money as well as create my art. I worked in advertising and I decided it was killing my creative side so I quit without any other promise of success.

What advice would you give to others to identify and embrace those moments of action?

You'll know when it hits you.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation?

Be yourself and don't wait for opportunities.

Photo: Franz West sitting on his own sculpture. The best!

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in shaping your career? Are you creating your own path or being guided by a mentor?

I surround myself with a great group of family and friends. It's these people that are my mentors. Never one specific person, but a big family that all contribute to guiding both myself and my work.

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?

I crave being in the ocean. Especially these days as I'm so connected to the internet. It's the one place I can totally feel calm.

If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?

Design and build my own house from scratch.

All images used with permission from Elliott Routledge.