In Conversation With Finn Gerry Wilson

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND.

I'm Finn, a self taught artist hailing from the central suburbs of Auckland City. Growing up in a creative household helped pave an appreciation for my artistic expression. My parents introduced me to the paintbrush at a very young age, which sparked my fascination of visual art and illustration. My childhood was filled with creative exploration, having three siblings to bounce ideas and learn from also helped influence a strong foundation for my artistic journey.

HOW DID YOU GO FROM ILLUSTRATING FOR YOURSLEF TO REALISING THIS IS SOMETHING YOU COULD DO FOR A LIVING?

Like most peple I started creating art purely for personal satisfaction, using it as a tool to help my mind escape but also as a form of self-expression and exploration. Over time, I began sharing my work with a wider audience, which led to opportunites showcasing my art in galleries and public spaces. The point of realisation that my passion could transition into a sustainable career came into light in my final year at school.

YOUR WORK SPANS A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS, FROM T-SHIRTS TO LARGE-SCALE MURALS. HOW DO YOU APPROACH EACH NEW PROJECT? AND DOES THE APPROACH VARY DEPENDING ON THE CHOSEN MEDUIM?

I try to approach each new project with a fresh perspective, tailoring my methods to the specific medium and context. For t-shirts, I try to focus on graphic clarity and wearability, while larger paintings and murals require careful planning and consideration of the space and scale. Each medium presents it's own challenges and opportunities, I adapt to ensure that the final outcome aligns with the project's goals.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MEDIUM TO WORK WITH?

We live in a digital world with some crazy mediums to play with. I enjoy the precision and flexibility offered by digital illustration, especially when it allows me to cut down on time and opens the option to work from anywhere. Although it's hard to go past the intimacy of painting. My favourite mediums are definitely analog methods over digital. I find it helps me to think harder and adjust to my mistakes, rather than clicking a button to go back on them. Some of the best idea have come from mistakes. Working with traditional paint or spray paint for me is particularly rewarding.

HOW DO YOU BLEND STREET CULTURE WITH TRADITIONAL ILLUSTRATION AND PAINTING TECHNIQUES, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP THAT BALANCE PURPOSEFUL?

Blending street culture with traditional techniques involves combining bold, graphic elements with detailied craftsmanship. I draw inspiration from the vibrancy and spontaneity of street art and try integrating it with the discipline of traditional methods. This balance is purposeful as it allows me to create work that is both contemporary and timeless, appealing to diverse audiences while staying true to my artistic roots.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU'VE FACED AS AN ARTIST WHO BOUNCES BETWEEN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS?

One of the main challenges is maintaining a consistent artistic voice while working across various mediums. Each medium requires a slightly different approach, which can sometimes lead to a disconnect in a style or concept.

YOU'VE GAINED RECOGNITION IN EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLIC SPACES BOTH IN NEW ZEALAND AND ABROAD. IS THERE A PARTICULAR PIECE OR PROJECT THAT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE OR MEMORY?

I can't say I have any particualr favourites. There are elements from every piece/project which hold their own special connection. At the end of the day my goal is to create a positive impact with my clients and community. The personal connections made during the project are memories I cherish.

WHAT ARE YOUR DAILY HABITS OR RITUALS? WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?

My daily routine usually involves a coffee and blasting tunes to wake the body up. I like to review upcoming or ongoing projects and set my sight on specific goals. Then it's just a matter of winning the day. Regular breaks like going for a run helps maintain creativity and focus, although i try not to be too strict with my habits or rituals as every day is different.

My motivation comes from the life around me, it doesn't take much to get my mind racing. As an artist, the drive to explore new ideas and express my emotions is important. The process of creation along with the potential impact on an audience, fuels my passion and dedication.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ARTISTS LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE SCENE OR TURN THEIR ART INTO A CAREER?

I would advise young artists to keep true to themselves (be you), stay consistent while also having an open mindset to learning and adopting. Work towards building a strong portfolio, network with other artists, professionals and like minded people who inspire you. The path to a successful art career involves overcoming many different challenges and continuously evolving with the world around us. Stay in the moment and you'll be sweet.

LOOKING AHEAD, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART TAKING YOU NEXT?

Hopefully expanding my art into more interdisciplinary projects, by applying myself to different mediums and collaborating with artists from other fields. I'm always looking to explore new techniques and how they can influence and enhance my artistic abilities for the best. My goal is to continue pushing to be the best versino of myself and contribute to helping inspire the future.