Artist Profile: Claudio Kirac

By Stephanie Manning.

Claudio Kirac is a force to be reckoned with. Apart from being a top bloke he is also a professional artist, painter, photographer, graphic designer, and the list goes on. Claudio is a guru of the Gold Coast arts and culture scene, so we pulled him aside to have a chinwag…

What is happening in the world of Claudio right now?

2016 is definitely the year of ‘all or nothing’. Working hard and working smart, getting married, focusing on an array of amazing projects and getting better at remembering to breathe.

We have just launched our website for Art-Work Agency, which was a long time coming, putting all our commercial projects in one place ranging from design, photography, public art and business consultation services. I am so proud of this project and live it daily, getting to work with amazing people and putting teams together for all the various projects. I have also gained representation through Anthea Polson Art for my visual arts and painting practice which has seen me focus on this more than ever, great for the creative soul.

Bodysurfing with Surf/Brand would have to be a daily highlight as well. Crystal clear winters leading into blazing hot summers, paddling out and looking back at our epic landscape. It’s a dream to live and work on the Gold Coast, I’ve always said it and always will, it’s a very exciting time to be here.

Tell us about your collaboration with Kit and Ace boutique at Pacific Fair?

I have been painting more than ever and I have an amazing studio space at CoSpaces in Southport, which is proving very conducive to my creativity. Recently I worked on a new series of works with one of the major pieces going on display at Kit and Ace until January, 2017. This is a global program that they roll out, engaging with local artists in different cities, and I was happy to be selected for the Gold Coast.

You have danced around in tight pink trunks for a Sneaky Sound System video clip. Tell us about some of the maddest things you have done for art? 

Art for me is about taking risks, because your heart is on the line 24/7 and the ideas never stop… which is a good thing I guess. Photographing and painting in abandoned buildings and demolition sites is always a favourite, there is a certain something about the transience of these spaces, and the Gold Coast has some epic ones, dating back to when Magic Mountain was the best unofficial gallery for ‘art’ of the streets. Being left at the top of mountains in the middle of the Canada wilderness, humid island paradises, and freezing cold deserts always play a good part in pushing your creative boundaries.

The best live gig you have ever seen? Who and Where?

Nirvana at Fishermans Wharf, Australia Day 1992. ‘Nevermind’ had just been released, tickets were a physical commodity that you bought over the counter at your record store and the sun was shining, the rest is history so to speak.

What is your ideal day on the Goldy?

An ideal day would be getting up early, say g’day to the cats, make breakfast at home for Laura and I, ride bikes to get a coffee, then a sneaky bodysurf session. An afternoon snooze followed by a walk on dusk marvelling at the colour and surrounds of our neighbourhoods. To top it off, we cook an epic dinner or go out and enjoy one of the many fantastic places on the GC. Netflix, Chill, Sleep, Eat, Repeat.

I heard you have a sneaker collection. Give us the low down…

Top total I had was around 55 pairs, but time is not kind sometimes, with a few pairs biting the dust and literally crumbling away, and I’m not a box and shelf kind of guy, I wear ALL of them. Anything from Air Max to Jordans or Vans. My current fave has to be the Yeezy Boost 350 Pirate Black, no cliche, they just really are that comfy!

What is your spirit animal?

A dolphin, surf, sea and beach.