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Tim Storrier’s work sweeps you into his imagination: burning ropes in the desert, clothes wrapped around a torso-shaped void, mood-filled skies with clouds that go on forever.

One of Australia’s premier artists, his paintings often take the form of a memento mori – a reminder of our mortality – with detritus strewn across the landscape to remind us of what is left after life has moved on.

He has been painting for over 50 years and in 1968 was the youngest artist ever to win the Sulman prize at 19 years of age. He has since won the Sulman a second time and has been awarded the Archibald Prize, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and Archibald Packing Room Prize. His work is held in most Australian national and state art institutions and in private collections across the world.

He has exhibited in dozens of solo shows including a stunning survey show in 2011 at S.H.Ervin Gallery, was a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW for most of the 90s and has been awarded a member of the Order of Australia for service to the arts.

He’s also known for being forthright and at times controversial and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him at his historic home in Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

We talk about finding one’s voice, his friendships with John Olsen and Brett Whiteley and he talks of the aftermath of Whiteley’s death – he was the person the police called to identify Brett Whiteley’s body –  as well as his views on the Archibald and post modern art (not all positive!).

To hear the podcast interview press play below the above feature photo.

Scroll down for video of Maria Stoljar talking with Storrier in his home and studio.

Above photo of Tim Storrier by Gary Grealy Photography

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Show Notes

Tim Storrier talks with Maria Stoljar – YouTube video
Noon (light line), 2014, acrylic on canvas, 91.5 x 122 cm
‘Night Passage’, 1981, type C photograph on metallic photographic paper, 80 x 122 cm
‘The Empire of the Coals (blue night run)’, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 107 x 244 cm
‘The Great Tumble’, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 183 x 91 cm
‘The Departure Expected (self portrait)’ 2009, acrylic on canvas, 198 x 92 cm
The Histrionic Wayfarer (after Bosch), 2012, acrylic on canvas, 182 x 122 cm
Winner Archibald Prize 2012
‘The Arcadian Repose’, 2015-16, acrylic on canvas, 200 x 300 cm
Finalist Wynne Prize 2017
‘The Lunar Savant (Portrait of McLean Edwards)’, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 198 x 91 cm
Winner Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2018
‘The Water Dance’, 1998, acrylic on canvas, 183 x 304.5 cm
‘Suzy 350’, 1968, oil on board, 121.6 x121.6 cm
Winner Sulman Prize 1968
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14 thoughts on “Ep 76: Tim Storrier”

  1. Nick Stathopoulos

    I listened to this while painting clouds…in acrylic. This was golden. So entertaining. Relaxed and honest. I think it benefited from you having done so many artist interviews now that you could get to the nub more directly. And you managed to wrangle some painting tips out of him! Well done!

    • Maria Stoljar

      Thanks for that lovely comment Nick! Yes I’m going to be putting those painting tips to good use myself! Mx

  2. Barbara Johansen Newman

    I loved this interview. I liked Tim’s frank and direct responses–not an ounce of guise in them! I also agree 100% with him about Picasso. Talented? Of course. But ultimately Picasso excelled at gamesmanship.

  3. riteasrain

    Thanks so much, Maria, a very heartfelt, thought-provoking interview. Really enjoyed the YouTube video as well 👍

  4. Sarah Waghorn

    Re-listened to this again Maria and enjoyed it just as much! What an engaging artist. I admire how he has remained focused and unwavering in his endeavours despite what might be ‘fashionable’ in art through the years.
    I also totally agree with his thoughts on Picssso and verbalised exactly what I have thought all along! Ha!
    Thank you 🙏🏻

  6. Shari Nye

    I loved this interview, Tim not affected by the hype. Loved his candor throughout the interview and his comment re being a finalist “you mean being hung” gold . Thank you.

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