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Born in Hobart in 1962, Luke Wagner is an artist that follows his heart. After initially embarking on a science-based career in the early 1980s, a mix of planned and serendipitous events led to him becoming immersed in the art world.
Captivated by his new-found career, Wagner has developed a unique style that reflects the universal, whilst capturing the essence of Tasmania’s haunting landscapes. It incorporates timeless Arcadian moods, imbued with classical echoes that entice the viewer to explore.
Although Wagner is renowned for his surreal and stylised landscapes, his work often integrates figurative and still life genres that provide a catalyst to convey his intent.
Luke gets much of his inspiration from his beloved Tasmanian landscape, where he spends many hours absorbing its nuances and power. He then returns to the tranquillity of his peaceful bushland studio near Hobart to create works that are filtered through his memory.
Working intuitively, he reorders what he has seen and experienced into his own perceptive and thought-provoking visual language.
Luke Wagner has won numerous awards and his work continues to grow in popularity. Since his first sell-out exhibition in 1994, he has held a further 19 successful exhibitions in Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
A self-taught painter, Luke has allowed his individualistic and personal approach to his work to flourish. He continues to explore many themes and ideas and says that his intent is ‘to make meaningful and worthwhile art that engages the viewer in a poetic and honest way’.
Luke Wagner News
LINOCUTS - STEWART MACFARLANE
'LINOCUTS IS A CELEBRATION OF OVER 20 YEARS IN THE MEDIUM FOR STEWART MACFARLANE, IT IS THE FIRST TIME THE PRINTS HAVE COME TOGETHER FOR A SINGLE EXHIBITION. THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF A SEQUENCE OF MAJOR EXHIBITIONS IN SYDNEY, MELBOURNE AND BRISBANE. 'LINOCUTS' IS EXHIBITING AT LUKE WAGNER INK FROM NOVEMBER 19TH TO DECEMBER 10TH.
'Linocuts appeal to me, as a medium, because of the no-nonsense and low tech directness . It is a raw, basic and bold medium that has satisfied my need to a see a simple image reproduced.
My first linocuts are from 1985. They were done with the guidance of two very experienced artists in the field, Euan Heng and Kay Green. I was working, at the time at Monash University in Gippsland (known then at the GIPPSLAND INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED EDUCATION). The printmaking department there was an impressive, well set-up space, thanks to the two above artists.
My first printmaking attempt was a lithograph. This proved too fussy and too technical for my temperament. Once I had completed my first linocut, I was hooked on this process.
I had early success with my first prints. The Australian National Gallery purchased my first print, 'The Hoddle Bridge Approach,' 1985, as well as, 'Distraction,' 'Love Come Down,' and others. I was commissioned by the Australian Print Council Twice.
The printmakers life is a hard one to make a living at and my paintings have always been my primary working focus.
I have produced two giant linocuts, inspired by an exhibition of giant linocuts I saw in Berlin, 1999. I talked to the artist and discovered that he had printed them by using a steam roller to apply the pressure, instead of a press. I decided to follow his lead, instead, however, I used a tennis court roller in my studio that pushed down on a large board.
My output has been modest, but consistent. This exhibition displays most of my linocuts, together for the first time.
Lastly my editions are always small. There are generally around 10 of each print. This is because I mainly do all of the printing process myself. I am satisfied with a small print run. I destroy the plate once the print is finished.'
- Stewart MacFarlane, 2008
Examples of Stewart MacFarlane's linocuts may be viewed at this link:
http://www.printsandprintmaking.gov.au/catalogues/work.aspx?frmview=resu...
For enquiries and additional information please contact the gallery on (03)62347848, or email the Jemima at info@lukewagner.com.au