In early 2020, as COVID was sweeping the world, Filippa Buttitta (pictured right) was facing her own personal crisis.
She had been working on her entry for the Archibald prize when she had trouble with her eyesight and was finding it difficult painting the fine details of her work.
Thinking she needed an eye test, she visited her optometrist which led to a swift hospital admission and the shocking diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour.
In the past year she’s had to make decisions which go to the heart of one’s purpose in life and which also highlight the importance of creativity.
This episode is about those choices but it’s also about Filippa’s life as a skilled artist. She’s been painting for over 30 years, and has been a regular finalist in many art prizes including the Archibald (with a stunning portrait of the late Judy Cassab) as well as the Black Swan and Portia Geach and last year she was noted as one of the artists who had been selected the most times in Australian art prizes in that year.
Her entry into the Archibald this year is a fascinating portrait of her surgeon Professor Charlie Teo who has provided not only medical care prolonging her life but compassion and empathy along the way.
You’ll also be hearing from her close friend, artist Louisa Chircop (pictured above left), who joins us in this conversation. Louisa is a previous podcast guest and has been a rock for Filippa throughout this time. She is also entering the Archibald with a portrait of Filippa. She was one of seven artists who requested Filippa to paint her portrait this year and even though many portrait sitters have in the past agreed to having their portrait painted by more than one artist for the Archibald, Filippa has only said yes to Louisa.
We recorded this episode in Filippa’s studio in Sydney which also operates as a private gallery where she has exhibited her own work and that of fellow artists. From time to time you might also hear Filippas’ beautiful budgerigar, Sky.
To hear the podcast conversation click ‘play’ beneath the above feature photo.
Scroll down for a video of Filippa talking with Maria Stoljar in her studio.
Links to people we talk about in this episode
Finalist Archibald Prize, 2015
‘Filippa Buttitta – Post second brain tumour surgery’, 2021, pencil, watercolour, gouache, watercolour markers and photomontage on polyester, 200cm x 137cm
Thank you Maria! Fantastic episode What an amazing woman, well actually they both are. I really loved learning more about these artists and their inspiring art. All the best, Mark
I agree Mark. Thanks for listening! Maria
Maria, Thank you for this unforgettable podcast and thanks to Filippa and Louisa for so generously sharing their time with us. It’s one I’ll go back to often. Truly inspirational.
Thanks so much for listening Heidi. Maria x