On How to Make It Work, my Raglan Community Radio show and podcast, I talk to locals who shape creative and unique working lives in Raglan.
This week I chatted to Simon Dickey — an artist known for his charcoal portraits and live street performances during the Raglan Arts Weekend.
Simon, you’re part of RAW again this year. What are you bringing to the festival?
I’ll be painting live again in Volcom Lane. Last year I created a Kanuka tree piece that was all about resilience. This year it’s something different — a Jazz Funk series. I’ll be painting to the Miles Davis Quintet, just responding to the music for 30 minutes. It’s going to be full of energy.
What do you enjoy about creating art live, in front of people?
It’s raw. There’s no time to second-guess. Everyone’s watching every brushstroke you do as if it’s a miracle. It is a challenge; you are showing vulnerability as an artist and that vulnerability forces you to grow. It’s like survival.
And where can people catch you during RAW this year?
Volcom Lane, Saturday October 25th at 4pm. Be on time because it might only last for 15 minutes. And come find me in my studio above Raglan Roast and check out my Jazz series painted with bright acrylic paints. This year I am selling my paintings with a one dollar reserve. A bit of a risky manoeuver but I think it’ll be fun.
If you are making it work in a unique way in Raglan and want to share your story, I’d love to have you on the show — reach out to Raglan Community Radio or on Instagram: @stories.by.annika.
Tune in on Mondays 12:30 or listen to the podcast anytime on Spotify and Apple podcasts.
