Artist Spotlight Series: Tyrone Layne

I feel I’m very lucky to be able to earn a living doing a job a love. I’m inspired to keep building my brand and expanding my audience to new heights. My paintings are all about people and culture that make up a certain city or beach location. People are funny and interesting beings.

What is your favorite piece?

This changes, but probably my current favourite is a recent painting I did while in New York of Soho. I produced this at the end of my month long stay, so had a few weeks to observe the city and think of what to put in it.

How has your area influenced your work?

I moved to Sydney from Auckland nearly 2 years ago, so it’s been a refreshing change. I definitely feel I observe the culture more here, being away from my safety net of friends and family in my hometown. The first 20 months of my time here, I was lucky enough to have a studio in the garage of a Paddington gallery which opened up to the footpath next to a bus stop. This allowed me to be part of the local community and to observe the public as they walked by.

What is your favorite restaurant in Sydney?

I’m more likely to go to pubs for meals or fast food. Mary’s in Newtown have the best burgers. South Dowling Sandwiches has the best sandwich. $15 steak night at The Royal in Fiveways is pretty good too.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Would prefer a rum & coke or RCW(Rum and coconut water) compared to a cocktail. As long as it’s a rum from Barbados, being a half Bajan. Mount Gay XO, Old Gold, or Old Brigand.

How do you balance personal life and work?

Currently my studio is 20 mins walk away from where I live, so I try to do 9-5pm Monday to Friday. I’m pretty disciplined, I like the idea that I’m working when everybody else is.

Dream trip?

Maybe something like a beach front house in LA where I could set up studio for a summer!

Dream commission?

A large scale painting for an important collector such as the Broad’s or the Rubell’s.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

A bottle of Argentinian Malbec.

Who is your style icon?

Diddy is the Suede King.

But nobody in particular, more just a collection of people I see around the streets and through my Instagram feed that will influence certain styles of dressing.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

NZ artist Peter Stichbury has been a favourite of mine. Has a solo show coming up with Gallery Baton in Seoul at the end of October.

What is your most treasured possession?

A Television. I can’t get by without having a TV to relax in front of at night. Feet up, lampin.

What are you reading?

I’m not much of a book reader, but last week I bought a book from an artist book fair in Sydney called “I’m Under This Blanket” by Tim Andrew. It’s brilliant.

What are you listening to?

I listen to music all day while painting, so here’s a few artists I’ve been listening to. El-P, Frank Ocean, Amine, Sir Sly, A Boogie wit a Hoodie, Mayer Hawthorne. Etc…