Jeff Woodger: Art, Cheese & Wine

By Adam Miller

There is a real treat coming up for art-lovers living in Nagoya - landscape artist Jeff Woodger is putting on an exhibition at the Daikokuya Gallery in Sakae from March 31st till April 6th. There will even be a little party on April 3rd, with wine and cheese (hopefully not of the canned variety). I caught up with Jeff to ask him about his inspiration, his art and his briefcase.

Adam Miller: Hello Jeff, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. I suppose we should start with a little history: did you begin painting in Australia, or was it Japan that got you started?

Jeff Woodger: I've been painting for a long time now; I went to Art School way back in the 1980s. After that, I worked for museums in Australia before moving to Nagoya in 1994, and I've been hopping between Japan and Australia ever since.

AM: Wow, sounds pretty hectic. So which country inspires your work more - Japan or Australia?

JW: I don't concentrate on either, really. I've also painted American and European landscapes. My style is very much inspired by 18th century artwork and although I have painted modern cityscapes, such as Kanayama, my style is consistent no matter where I decide to paint.

AM: Speaking of your style, the clothes you are wearing in the promo-shot are amazing! Is that your everyday attire or do you just wear it when you're being photographed?

JW: With my exhibition I am really trying to capture the ambience of an 18th century museum/saloon, so the red walls, the furniture - and my clothes - combine with the paintings to give off an overall feel of that period in history.

AM: That briefcase is also really cool. I have a far less authentic-looking suitcase with a similar feel to it...

JW: Well my Granddad was an engineer in Australia back in the 1920s, and that's actually his briefcase. I'm glad you like it.

AM: It's awesome, as are the paintings in the background. Any last words for all the readers out there?

JW: I'm just hoping to see many people at the exhibition. Whether you're an art lover or not, it should be good fun. The party on April 3rd is also open to any that would like to come.

AM: So even if you don't like art, chances are you'll like the cheese and wine, eh? Well you can count me in, I'll see you there!

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