1. What's your name and where are you from?
My name is Pat Indo and I’m from Sydney’s northern beaches, but now I’m based in Northern NSW in a surfing town called Crescent Head.
2. How did you get into the art industry and when did you know you were into arts?
I used to be a graphic designer/art director working in advertising and marketing, but my passion was always in art. After freelancing for a fashion house creating menswear art for retail, I soon realised, that art was my calling.
3. What are some of your biggest achievements in life?
Painting this incredible umbrella girl mural will be one, and working with councils to paint laneways is another. Winning live street art battles in Sydney was a highlight, and being voted finalist for Australian of the Year in Northern NSW was another.
4. Describe to you how art is important in today’s society?
As with water, without it - life is dull. Colour and art are a natural part of life. I believe there should be a focus on painting beautiful murals everywhere, particularly with all the mental health epidemics in the world today. We as a society feel alone, cold, and afraid to be our true selves. Art helps people feel good. It lifts our moods and inspires us to be creative, happy, and our best selves. Art changes the world mentally, physically, and spiritually.
5. What motivates you to create your art?
I’m always on the lookout for inspiration. Similar to the Terminator (he laughs). I look at spaces - blank walls and run-down buildings and try to think of ways that people can interact with the space.
6. How do you define success as an artist?
I used to think fame was important, but it fades very quickly, I believe true success comes from within, that feeling and excitement you get when you see your idea come to life. Seeing your art and how it inspires others.
7. Where do you find your inspiration to create new art?
Nature, social media, other artists, and past artists, through meditation and sometimes by listening to people’s points of view. I surf a lot, and the ocean is my library, where I can process my thoughts, and come up with new ideas.
8. Which art trends inspire your work?
My inspiration comes from street art, pop art, stencils, graphic design, and fashion. As a commercial artist, I must stay in touch with what’s happening and keep up with current trends.
9. How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?
Discipline, early mornings, and exercise daily.
10. What advice would you give inspiring artists?
Find your style, build a portfolio of work, get out there, and be bold. It takes courage to show your art to the world, ignore all the haters, and keep walking. As the saying goes, every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.
11. Describe the best piece of art you’ve ever created?
The one I’m about to create! The umbrella girl!