By Melissa Barnard, part of the 2024 Scarborough Art Show team
Chris Duczynski is a well known, frequently published local photographer and regular exhibitor at the Scarborough Art Show. In 2005 he started his company Malibumedia, specialising in stills and video and working with high profile clients such as Qantas, Jetstar, Bankwest, AFL, the ACO, NSW Cancer Council and Bluescope Steel.
In 2014 he bought his first drone and added a dramatic aerial component to his production, shooting for clients as diverse as Case Machinery, Bluescope, the University of Wollongong and the Department of Education. His photography captures the drama and beauty of his surroundings, natural and man made, accessible and inaccessible, with both technical skill and dramatic flair.
We asked Chris a few questions about his art practice and how he came to it.
From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration is drawn from the industrial environment of Port Kembla. The steel stacks, the cargo ships, the port and their interaction with the natural landscape.
How do your art practice and your life intersect?
I’ve operated a small media company for many years. That involves photography, video and music for corporate clients. Much of my personal work is an offshoot of that.
Tell us a little about your personal artistic journey.
After art school, I decided not to teach but to make my own way artistically and creatively. I was fortunate to work for Qantas and see the world filming for them. Along the way I met many creative people in music, painting, photography and writing – all of whom were an inspiration to me. I learnt to look at things with the intent of making a piece of artistic work, mainly short films and photography. Also, if you surround yourself with creative practitioners, your work will progress and flourish.
What will you be bringing to the Scarborough Art Show this year?
Not sure, probably a mix of heavy- industrial digitally altered photos and some landscapes. We'll see on the day what I end up with.
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
Definitely the food and the buzz of opening night. If you see a red dot on your artwork, it’s an added bonus!
Scarborough Art Show will be back at Scarborough Public School on Saturday, October 12th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-2pm). Admission: $5 for adults, $3 concession, Children under 13 enter free of charge.
