Local Artist: Caleb Reid from Bronte

By James Hutton on June 22, 2021 in Arts

Happy little Vegemite. Photo: Ben Tooth

This month’s cover artist, Caleb Reid, recently made the move from Bronte to Mullumbimby to pursue his artistic journey and get some decent waves…

How long have you lived there? I’ve lived around the northern rivers for a few years on and off. I did a year in Paris and have had studios in different parts of Australia. I like to move around, it keeps my art evolving.

Why do you live there? It’s where I find myself coming back to. It’s a nice place to paint and there are quiet places to surf.

What’s your favourite beach? As a child I was obsessed with Bronte and spent every waking minute as a salt-crusted grom in the surf. Now I don’t mind, but I like any beach that is surrounded by bush.

What’s your favourite eatery? When I’m in Sydney there are three places I always go back to, Spice I Am in Surry Hills, Vacanza in Charing Cross and Ichi Ban Boshi.
Where do you like to have a drink? I like to drink at ‘Duffy’s’. Its a semi-secret dive bar deep in the city where confused people go to think.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Iggy’s bread.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Parking meters.

How would you describe your art? It’s playful, stupid, serious, wanky and self-absorbed.

Where can people see your work? I have a new website up and running, calebreid.com.au.
It’s just been updated with a whole bunch of new paintings, as well as prints and other arty things.

Who are your artistic inspirations? Monet and Dee Dee Ramone.

What are you working on at the moment? I am making a comedy animation series with my friend Josh about an oddball Australian family.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? My website has new artworks updated regularly, but I am having a break from exhibiting at the moment while I put in some practice.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? I’ve spent most of my life staying up late and drawing into the night. It’s just something I do. I don’t know if anyone gave it to me.

Any other local artists to look out for? Rhys Lee and Joshua Van Rugge.

Did you study art? I have a bachelor of fine art in ceramics/sculpture after spending four years at the National Art School.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Be playful, undermine yourself and do more making than thinking.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? Nope.

What music are you into at the moment? There is a new Sydney band called Repo Man, they have an incredible new album out.

Who is your favourite person? The Beatles.

What do you get up to on the weekends? I spend my days making in the studio and surf here and there.

What do you do for work? I make work.

What’s your favourite thing about work? Discipline breeds skill.

Do you have a favourite quote? “And if my thought-dreams could be seen, they’d probably put my head in a guillotine, but it’s alright, Ma, it’s life, and life only.” – Bob Dylan

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast magazine? Draw in every bit of wet cement you find.