Wild tHing Creations - About Wayne






 Taken from interview featured in Blank Canvas Magazine 2013
 
 I’m Wayne Hoareau, carver & ceramics artist from the Gold Coast Qld. Since 1988 I’ve worked in music retail, as music was & still is a passion. I actually started working in music stores due to not being accepted into Art College back then. So, when made redundant from a long time position in 2009, I had some time to contemplate my next step and once again tried the Arts degree angle. Whilst being messed around by this college I decided to attempt a carving. From there I was bitten by the bug and haven’t looked back since. Add to this some great support from a couple of mentors over time plus an amazing wife and family, it all allows me being able to come full circle again and be what the kid from the western suburbs of Brisbane in the 80’s always wanted to be. I was never going to do this back then that’s for sure, but the urge to create was always there. After fumbling my way around for awhile I started “Wild tHing creations” in August 2010 working from home. I moved to a studio/workshop in April 2011 to allow for space as it was taking over my Tiki Bar and that should never happen if a man can’t use his Tiki Bar!  Making Tiki Mugs, Wood and Wax carvings as well as being able to store it all needs space.
HOW DO YOU START?

I’m probably different to a lot of artists in that I don’t sketch an idea first. Ok, I have over time, but I’m not the best fine/sketch artist going, so don’t anymore. Most of my ideas come from the medium I’m planning on using. Some logs may have certain characteristics about them and from that I just draw a rough outline and away I go. Same as when I make mug designs. Usually I have an idea of what I want to make so just draw the rough lines on it and let the mind control the hands as I go. Go with the vibe. Not being too New Age here but that’s maybe the best way to describe it.


ANY ADVICE OF OTHER ARTIST / CREATIVE TYPES STARTING OUT?
It’s never too late to start. I think too many people are afraid of criticism so don’t want to try. Hey not everyone is going to like what you make. So be it, make it because you like to .If you feel an urge to make something, follow it. Also don’t be afraid to stick to what you want to make, not what others tell you. Just because other artists etc in the field are following certain guidelines the way they work it doesn’t mean you have to as well. By all means take any advice on techniques that could help but adapt it to what you want. If not all we will have are people churning out the same looking art. That’s why I say I’m putting my bent take on Tiki Art. Creative work in my view should be an extension of you.

WHAT IS YOU MAIN MEDIUM?
At this stage I’ve been spending at least 3/4 of my time making mugs so playing with earthenware clay slip takes up a lot of my time. Wax is involved as well, easier to carve, yet I always love getting back to a slab or log of wood and carving when time permits. Of late I’ve been using some Banksia tree as it has amazing texture and so nice to carve. Yet I will try any wood to see the qualities of it as I’m still discovering different timbers. I’ve steered away from as many electric tools as I can when carving. No dremels or chainsaws at all. Just an electric sander at times.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? I.E PEOPLE, PLACES, FILM,MUSIC ETC)?
Music of all genres influences me. Punk, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Exotica all shapes me, with absolute respect for people like Frank Zappa, Julian Cope and Lemmy to name a few.
The people that have been my biggest influences on my work are probably my two mentors. My carving mentor, Marcus Thorn, has helped me in so many ways. With his guidance I was able to realize what I wanted to do a lot more clearly. My other mentor is the man who showed me all I needed to know about making my mugs, Brad Hunt from Picassos Ceramics. He was kind enough to show me how to make my first mug after I designed and carved it. To both of them I shall always be very thankful.
Then there is my Mum, Dad and Grandfather. I’ve always wanted to be as skilled as my Grandfather, his hands are incredible, and he can tend to make or fix anything. My Dad has a mind that is amazing and watching how he takes mechanical work to the next level has earnt him the nickname “Professor” among others. His attitude to work is something I’m always inspired by. Then there is Mum. Through her I found resilience and never giving up.

FAVORITE ARTIST/S? 
I’ve admired people like Marco Almera, Frank Kozik, Jim Flora and Shag for awhile now. Yet when i was a growing up it was more about Mad magazine then onto Robert Crumb and Gilbert Shelton. As for carvers, Marcus Thorn, Bosko and Crazy Al Evans. They have such awesome technique & eyes for detail. There are some Aussies I admire as well. Artists such as Paul Hughes (designed my logo) and Isobel Von Finklestein produce great work and I’m always impressed by anything new they create.
OTHER INTERESTS?
I’ve always had an interest in playing instruments so over time have been in and out of the garage with various friends etc as most do. I still like to play my guitars when I get the chance and hoping to have some time this year to resume jamming with a friend of mine who is a great drummer.
Being a family man I don’t have much spare time outside working yet being a family man has many rewards as well and is very hard to put into words. My beautiful wife Nicole and I have two amazing girls and being a part of their lives and watching them grow is happiness on another level.

WHAT WOULD BE YOU FAVORITE PIECE OF WORK/ PROJECT YOU HAVE DONE?
 
I will always have a soft spot for my first Tiki Mug “Kolohe Inu”. Due to him turning out so well for my first attempt it spurred me on to create more. I also did a carving called “Mean Mr.Moai” awhile back and he was also a favourite due to its simplicity. Everything so far is a step in the right direction so it’s very hard to choose. Like choosing your favorite child.

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO FIND YOUR WORK?
Butter Beats in Southport on the Gold Coast has some art and mugs. Freaks Like Us in Nambour, Ruff’n’Ready in Canberra and Two Bit Villains in Adelaide are also stockists of my Mugs. Independent stores like these are what help keep scenes alive at street level as the folk that run them are part of the scene themselves. They love and believe in what they do and without them I feel a big loss would be felt by all in years to come. After all the old record shop we all loved made way for the big chain stores and now look. The independent store allowed the independent artist to have a voice that big chains won’t. Those that still exist adapt as they love what they do.

LAST WORDS
Make life work for you. Don’t sit and think you are entitled to anything, or you will be sitting there still as others pass you by.

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