In two days the finalists for the Archibald Prize will be announced. I’ve been working on my portrait of Dave since last October. I wanted to paint up ’til the due date to exhaust all artistic possibilities, where I didn’t want to just settle for a painting I was happy with, and I am very aware of the potential magic that 5am brings. It just so happens that my final painting spread it’s wings and ‘became Dave’ somewhere between 3 and 5 in the morning two days before it’s submission. The photograph featured below is my final portrait of Dave on it’s way to meet the packers. It is titled “So Tired!” as it was painted during the last 2 months of Dave’s insomnia and every sitting was organised between trips overseas to perform with Shane for the Umbilical Brothers. It represents the exhaustion of performing in such a physical performance while suffering from insomnia. It also maintains Dave’s sense of humor.

This photo (below) was taken in my studio just before leaving for the gallery. The final decision was between these two works. The other is (also 1m x 2m) titled “Dave Amuck”. It is a reference to the Chuck Jones short “Duck Amuck”  where the animator edits the cartoon as it rolls. It seemed to typify so many of Dave’s characters but in the end we picked “So Tired!” which is coincidentally how I felt at the end of the process.

I’m looking forward to seeing who/what get’s selected. It’s been an eye opening process and what ever happens on Thursday I’m very proud of the work I’ve produced. The play that started it all is having a second run at the Sidetrack Theatre in Marrickville. Tickets are on sale.