Did it force you to use an unusual or different process to your normal art practice?

Definitely, I wanted to think outside of the square and use materials that were appropriate – marbles, toys, lollies. I also wanted to do something that the audience could interact with – a giant colouring in wall was something I’d always wanted to do.

On a more general level, do you think music has a strong influence on visual art?

Very much so, for me anyway. Like most creative things, music involves so much of the imagination and emotions, it’s hard for my mind not to wander depending on what I’m listening to. Imagery and colour always jump out at me when I listen to music. I tend to do a lot of art for music-related projects too, such as gig posters and albums. Lately I’ve been working on Old Man River’s upcoming album, as well as all the EP and tour artwork. I tried to listen to the music a lot while working on that project – I’m pretty sure it had a direct effect on the colours and vibe of the art I created – bright and hopeful. Indirectly, it probably crept over into other projects I was working on too. It’s very hard to not to let the music permeate your headspace. I listen to music so much that I really have to pick what I listen to depending on what I am currently working on, otherwise the vibe of the work could be all wrong!

It’s been a fair while since you first heard the track now – apart from using a different space for this new exhibit, have you altered your installation in any way? What did you change and why?

Not really, though part of the initial installation didn’t make it this time – the lolly whale I made unfortunately is no longer with us. The colouring-in canvas is partially coloured in, but there is still plenty left to do!

Would you be involved in similar projects in future?

For sure, the challenge of interpreting music into visual art is really fun – it was really interesting to see the works the other artists came up with too. Collaborations between different forms of art, whether it’s music, visual arts, writing, fashion, often seems to lead to really great and suprising results. I’m always keen to work on projects that involve other creatives’ vision, not just my own.

The Dappled Cities Art Exhibition
Opens: Tuesday, June 1
Location: Mart Gallery
156 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills.