Keith Fyfe

Born in the UK, I studied fine art in Carlisle and Cardiff and spent most of my life as a visual arts teacher of students of all ages. Teaching was an invaluable aid to the development of my own practice in that it obliged me to deal with all manner of artistic problems and the search for solutions.

There’s something about landscapes that is universal and timeless and I never weary of it. It’s certain that this planet will continue for a while after the last human gazes on their last sunset. I never depict people consciously in my work, however, as viewers of the work, people are always present in the picture.

Keith Fyfe was a Finalist twice in the Art Gallery of NSW Wynne Prize (2013, 2018), and also in the Fleurieu(2013), Mosman Art Prize(2017,18,19,20), Calleen (2014,15,17,18,19,21), Muswellbrook (2015), KAAF Prize (2017,18, 20, 24, 25 ) and Tattersalls (2013).

Exhibition - Prevailing Conditions
Many of us feel a profound love for this country called Australia but indigenous Australians have a deep and ancient connection that is timeless and hard to imagine. As Caroline and I have travelled this land we have tried to understand the history and the people and this has led to a greater appreciation of where we are. We came from the UK in 1983. After around three years of living in the inner city we seriously considered leaving the country. Then we discovered Scotland Island up in Pittwater and impulsively bought a log cabin high among the trees. It was a very physical labour-intensive existence with two young children but the bush gradually worked its magic and we were hooked. Now after travelling to many corners of the continent we are astounded by the beauty and the diversity to be found here. The more we discover the more we realise we are only scratching the surface. We can’t imagine living anywhere else. The images that I create are the result of not only travels in Australia but all the places that I’ve lived in or come across. They are generally the result of the imagination above all else. Whenever I’m inspired by a place it will imprint itself somewhere in my memory bank and parts will appear in various landscape configurations. Sometimes I imagine them before I discover they actually exist. The imagery is not scientific in a topographical sense but with countless combinations of earth, rocks, water, shapes, forms, vegetation and light I feel I’m permitted the freedom to invent my own landscapes. With the better ones I find I am actually present in the place as I construct it. Never a dull moment.