Local Photos 32 Local Artist

Subject Birds on a Wire Location Bondi Photographer Mahsa Hashemi

Subject Pebbles Location Bondi Photographer Tim Gardner

Subject Sungazer Location Bronte Photographer Theresia Hall @theresia.g.hall Subject Fine Looking Corella Location Bronte Photographer Graeme Bogan

Subject Winter Swims Location Bronte Photographer Lucy Colton-Taylor

Subject Sunset Sailors Location Watsons Bay Photographer Scout Lia-Lorenz

Subject Jolly Dolphins Location Maroubra Photographer Tomás Lomanto

Subject Bay of Plenty Location Clovelly Photographer Tommy Dalton Subject Rockhopper Location Lurline Bay Photographer Lou Derick

Subject Bottom Feeder Location Coogee Photographer Sandy Dickson

Subject Night Lights Location Bronte Photographer Christine Pillari

A far cry from bonnie Scotland.

Local Artist... Michael Pitt from North Bondi

Interview James Hutton Photo Kaeley Pitt

Local Business Analyst Michael Pitt is the creative talent behind this month’s cover painting of Bondi Pavilion. Michael shares his local favourites with The Beast...

How long have you lived here? I came as a backpacker in 1991 and emigrated from Scotland in 1995. I’ve lived in Bondi since 1996.

Why do you live here? During winter in Scotland my brother and I would trudge to and from Forehill Primary School in the dark. Most days it would drizzle, and you could go weeks without seeing a glimpse of blue sky. We’d be wearing wet duffle coats that hadn’t been dry since August and weighed about 20kg. And we’d be in shorts, so if it hailed we’d get spam legs... Bondi is like paradise for me.

What's your favourite eatery?

The pizzas at Di Napoli are not like any others I have ever tasted. My favourite is the Bufalina; it’s just base, tomato and cheese, but it’s amazing. And the takeaway lamb shanks and roast potatoes at Field to Fork butchers in Hall Street are sensational.

What's your favourite beach?

Bondi (of course) and Coral Bay in Western Australia.

Where do you like to have a

drink? I don’t drink out much in Australia, but it’s a different story when I go back to Edinburgh. There’s a big list there, top of it would be Milnes Bar.

Best thing about the Eastern

Suburbs? The laid back lifestyle and access to the ocean.

Worst thing about the Eastern

Suburbs? Self-entitled drivers trying to jump every traffic queue.

How would you describe your art? Felt pen photo-realism-ish.

Where can people see your

work? In my mum’s house. She’s my only fan at the moment.

Who are your artistic inspira-

tions? Jack Vettriano (also a Scot). He’s not popular with art critics, who have described his work as ‘colour by numbers’, but he’s the most popular artist in the UK, dead or alive. Richard Estes’ photo realistic paintings are amazing. I first saw one in an exhibition in 1984 and thought it was a great photo. It was only when my nose was practically touching it that I realised it was a painting. And Robert E. McGinnis; his James Bond movie posters are just the tip of the iceberg.

What are you working on at the

moment? I’d like to do some more pictures featuring people and landmark Bondi buildings, but I’ll have to negotiate with my family to secure the painting space in the lounge room and partial use of the dining room table.

Do you have any exhibitions

coming up? I’m not sure I’m ready for that!

When did you discover you had a

gift for your craft? I don’t think I have. I just persevere with lots of trial and error. I did win one of Civic Video’s weekly colouring in competitions in 2007 though.

Any other local artists to look

out for? I really like Stephen Evans’ paintings.

Did you study art? I did, at Belmont Academy in Ayr, in 1984. I got a C.

Who is your favourite person?

Wile E. Coyote. He’s always optimistic, totally indestructible and never ever gives up.

What do you get up to on the

weekends? Coastal walking, the beach, bushwalking and camping. I’m also learning the guitar.

What do you do for work? I am a Business Analyst at Fire and Rescue NSW. I really enjoy working with the firies and they’re a great laugh.