Episode 224 - James Drinkwater: Ballet, Brushes and Travel Stories

In this episode of the Art Wank podcast, we speak with Australian artist James Drinkwater, known for his vibrant paintings, sculpture, poetry, and music. Drinkwater, originally from Newcastle, NSW, has built a reputation for his layered, gestural works and multidisciplinary practice. He won the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in 2014, which allowed him to work in Paris, and he has been a finalist in the Wynne and Dobell Drawing Prizes multiple times. Our conversation explores his deep connection to place, his creative experiments with dance and theatre, and the impact of his time in New York with Julian Schnabel.

A significant part of our discussion centres on Drinkwater’s collaboration with MIMA Lake Macquarie in 2019, where he was commissioned to create the sets and costumes for a contemporary ballet titled Storm Approaching Wangi – and Other Desires. The ballet was inspired by the watery landscapes around Lake Macquarie and the Australian modernist painter William Dobell. Drinkwater didn't just design the visuals; he also performed on stage, collaborating with choreographers Skip Willcox and Belle Beasley, and composer Joseph Franklin. This project was an opportunity for Drinkwater to translate his painterly language—texture, gesture, and colour—into a dynamic, physical space, extending his creative practice beyond the canvas. He reflects on how the experience allowed him to think about movement and space differently, enriching his approach to making art.

We also delve into Drinkwater's time in New York, particularly his 2022–2023 residency at Julian Schnabel’s property on Long Island. Schnabel, famous for his plate paintings and maximalist style, invited Drinkwater to work in his studio space. This intense, seven-week period inspired Drinkwater’s exhibition American Salt – Montauk to the Bowery, which explored themes of memory, landscape, and artistic legacy. Drinkwater drew parallels between his own experiences in New York and those of Dobell, who had also found creative energy in the city. Although Dobell’s time there was fleeting, Drinkwater sees the connection in the way both artists absorbed and transformed their environments into their art.

Finally, Drinkwater shares his reflections on the interplay between disciplines in his practice, including a mid-career survey exhibition in Canberra. He speaks passionately about the importance of collaboration, travel, and memory in shaping his work. The episode closes with thoughts on how these experiences continue to push the boundaries of his artmaking, both in Australia and internationally.

James currently has an exhibition at Newcastle Straightjacket Art Space with Braddon Snape - 19th July - 10th August.