artist adam lester
Artist Adam Lester was born and raised in Melbourne but moved away from the southern city to pursue his practice. Initially he participated in group exhibitions in Greece and northern NSW before gaining a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2002 at Southern Cross University. He has continued to exhibit in group and solo shows, and is represented by Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane and a guest artist with Michael Reid in Sydney. Adam has won the Bentley Art Prize, and has twice been highly commended in the Southern Cross Art Prize. He has also twice been included in the Churchie Emerging Art Prize exhibition.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I started by putting on my own exhibitions in artist-run spaces and then got representation with Jan Murphy Gallery. This led to other galleries giving me a go in other states.
What's the best lesson you‚ve learnt along the way? Momentum is your best friend.
What's your proudest career achievement? It hasn't happened yet, but I guess making a living from being an artist is good.
What's been your best decision? To travel a lot to feed my imagination and belly with new and interesting stuff.
Who inspires you? Self-starters, underdogs. Anyone who is compassionate and honest.
What are you passionate about? Art, food, music, surfing, my kids, tequila.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? The Dude.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To grow old disgracefully somewhere warm, near a great uncrowded surf spot.
What are you reading? Just kids by Patty Smith.
images courtesy of adam lester and portrait of adam lester in his studio, 2010: jan murphy gallery