Graham Young – Artist – Graham quips that his wife “saved him” from becoming either a troubled rockstar or an average football player. Originally born in Liverpool he immigrated to Auckland in the 80’s with his family.

During his school days, his parents encouraged him to get a trade, so he trained in pre-press rather than attending art school. Graham agrees, the business side experience of the print industry has stood him in good stead to market himself successfully as an artist.

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Art has always been a part of Graham’s life. When asked if he ever went through a “pained goth artist” stage. He laughs “no”. He’s a happy, talkative, amiable chap and this shows in his work. His pieces are warm, positive and evoke feelings of enjoying the gentler side of life. It’s a little bit four-square meets kiwi summer and easily identifiable as Kiwiana.

AL: How would you describe your art?
G.Y: I love NZ, my art reflects NZ culture and what may not be noticeable to a kiwi, stands out to me. I call it the “inobvious signposts of recent New Zealand history”. Some of my favourite places to paint are: dairies, caravans at the beach, the boatshed.

AL: Where do you draw your inspiration?
GY: The idea that the old school bach was an amalgamation of recycled products struck me when I first immigrated, and has remained as one of my ideals of NZ lifestyle. Besides that, I love old buildings. railway sheds. South Island, & Central Otago.

AL: Everyone is talking about “shop local”. Could you tell us about some of your favourite places in that you like to shop & eat?
G.Y: I lived in Red beach and have very recently moved to Waihi Beach Not Waihi, which is a separate town nearby inland (Aucklife didn’t know this one) &( yes through level 3).In Auckland, I love Orewa, there’s a great cycle way & it’s an excellent Sunday destination. I love Cheek & Chong for small plates as well as Casablanca. I also love the Rockfield Café in Penrose. They are really good to me there, and it’s a great place to bring do business.

Graham’s work can be seen on his website and is available at Whitcoulls, Paper Plus and other outlets.

Graham has generously given us a copy of his new Calendar for 2022 ” Art of Graham Young” to give away as a prize. Check out our FB page in the next few weeks for details, check out the previews below.

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