My Space: Nicholas Hanisch

What makes a truly creative space?

Image and words by Interview Timothea Moylan

Describe your creative practice...

I’m primarily a painter and sculptor. But I don’t have one medium I’m tied to, so with each project, I want to try something else. My work is about spontaneity, change and chaos. I also like mixing old and new – looking at historical paintings and relating through a blurred lens.

Describe your workspace...

There are scars from old projects everywhere, and a lot of the furniture and wall fixtures are remnants of ideas that didn’t quite make it. I share the space with ceramicist Cassie Thring, and we have this no-man’s land in the middle where our projects cross over.

How does the space influence your practice?

I’m at Floating Goose Studios on Morphett Street, where a lot of spontaneous collaboration happens. Cassie was recently given a throwing wheel, so I’ve started throwing some pots. I just made a little baby bowl for a friend!

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Recently, it’s been from travel and visiting museums around the world. A lot of it is an exercise in trying to recreate the styles I see.

Do you work best in order or chaos?

Ordered chaos! I’m often not 100% sure what I’m going to make when I start, and then the work sort of erupts and finds itself. I do have a plan – it just goes a bit sideways sometimes.

What are your go-to tunes while you create?

Lots of ’60s country music – John Prine is a classic. I put experimental jazz on when I’m sculpting – you have to work quickly with plaster, and I like really hectic music to go with that.

Keep up to date with everything Hanisch is doing here.