At home with: Glenn Barkley

Q / WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?

A/ I live and work between Camperdown in Sydney and Berry on the South Coast. I grew up in Sussex Inlet and my parents are still there and the South Coast feels like home to me.

I have a large studio in Berry that was built by my mother-inlaw, the potter Lyn Havilah, and it’s a very relaxing place to work. There is also an expansive garden that needs constant love and care. I’m very fortunate.

Q / WHO DO YOU LIVE WITH?

A/ I live with my wife Lisa and two cats Milky and Matthew.

Q / DOES CAT FUR GET ALL OVER YOUR POTS?

A/ Yes, although they aren’t so furry! You learn to live with it because it’s worth it!

/ DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A COLLECTOR?

A/ Yes, I have collected things since I was a kid and I still have my original Star Wars figures. I have collected a lot of art over my life – as an artist and a curator it’s part of the job, right? We also have a lot of objects that relate to places we have been and people we have met. I’m also a bit of a bibliophile so have a large book collection too.

Q / ARE YOU A GOOD COOK? FAVOURITE DISH?

A/ I’m a good cook – Lisa is a great cook. I tend to cook comfort food – curries, soups and stews. Iso has been good for cooking - I stockpiled one pot wonders!

Q / WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

A/ I’m reading the Getty’s recent publication on the painting materials of Sidney Nolan written by Paula Dredge, Head of Painting Conservation at the Art Gallery of New South Wales – it’s a really fantastic - deeply researched and insightful - if you like that kind of thing!

And I have just bought Sahel: Art and Empires on the shores of the Sahara – I’m a huge admirer of African ceramics and this book has ample examples – I can’t wait to read it.

I’ve also set myself the task of watching every Academy Award winner of best movie since 1950 – I’ve seen some great films I would have otherwise ignored and revisited some others – The Apartment, All About Eve, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Lawrence of Arabia are stand outs so far.

Glenn Barkley, Love calls you by your name, 2019, earthenware, 69 x 50 x 31 cm