DREI FRAGEN with Artist Brendan Hamley

Artist Brendan Hamley shares his artistic wisdom.

Each Wednesday, I ask a different artist the same three questions.

This week's featured artist is Brendan Hamley

1. What first sparked your interest in creating art?

My parents were teachers and my dad specifically, was an artist and musician. Growing up I just didn't want to be normal and luckily they both created the space and opportunities to explore this further. Being an artist or musician was not really a serious option for most kids back then, but luckily I was encouraged to understand it was alright to be a bit different to the 'norms' from an early age.

2. What are your regrets?

I'm officially a senior now, but don't believe in regrets. They belong to the past and you can't do anything with them apart from maybe learn from your experiences, especially with the arts. 'I should have done that better' becomes 'I'll do this better next time'.

3. What wisdom would you offer someone beginning their art career, or exploring art for the first time at any stage in life?

Here's some wisdom I've been given along the way and forever grateful for. It applies to music and art equally.

As a youngster I was hitchhiking once and the driver struck up a conversation :

Driver: 'Hey. What do you want to be when you've finished your education?'

Me: 'I want to be a musician or an artist'

Driver: (meaningful pause...) 'Interesting choice. You know what? Wherever you go you'll always have friends, but ... you'll never be rich'

Years later, I asked a good friend David who I was touring with how they managed to earn a living and keep on top of all the randomness and organisation of touring

Dave's a very Zen type guy and advised me, in a hushed tone:

"Just do what you love and the Universe will provide".

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Above: When I dreamed I could dance by Brendan Hamley, written for a Spanish choreographer.

Check out the brilliant Brendan Hamley on Instagram.

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