Presley Joy Paget

she/her

presleyjoypaget.com

presleyjoypaget.bandcamp.com

Artistic wonder presley tells us all

I started my art adventure in 2013 creating a series of pastel drawings, and started making beats from age 9.

I travelled to Chicago and entered the DIY music and art scene in 2014. I met my people, curated art and music events between 2014 and 2019. Sold my art at DIY shows, quit my bartending job and lived off my artwork for 3 years. I painted clothing for performers, dancers and musicians including @whatsrealdeville, @richjones_music, @wooparkgrooves and more.

I started live painting at all kinds of venues and collaborated with artists. I curated my first and third Space Opera in 2014 and 2017 in Chicago at Silent Funny and Rutcorp which was life changing.

In 2016, I moved back to Sydney for a few months, and curated the 2nd Space Opera at Bow and Arrow in Manly, and painted murals on the northern beaches including Market Lane Cafe Manly, Lentil As Anything, Newtown, and the famous Bondi Beach Sea Wall.

In 2017/2018 I focused a lot on illustration work, including a series called Genius Series which included charcoal drawings of Grace Jones, Molly Drake, Alan Watts, Woo Park and more. I also curated a 4th Space Opera at a DIY spot in Sydney which featured a bunch of inner west artists, poets and bands.

“I feel love on this path because Art is power”

What inspires you and why did you start creating?

My feelings. I create because it is where I can fully express myself. It feels right for my soul. When I don’t express myself, I get in a FUNK. I didn’t realise this when asked to read out loud in school. I almost had a heart attack. I would retreat back to drawing Sponge Bob’s and waves to try and get a grip. One evening in my late teens, I was head over heels in love, listening to records, drinking wine, and given a place to draw. The wall was a black board. I drew all night. And I knew from that moment it was my truth. 

Your art is colourful and engaging, how has your style developed over the years?

I think my art fluctuates energetically when the heart is in ache or joy… When I grounded myself into the music and art scene in Chicago, I was surrounded by inspiration and encouraged to express myself freely. This environment made me channel everything I had to give, and I did it in art. When I was heartbroken I wrote a bunch of hit songs. Now I’m in love and I feel more relaxed and complete.

How do you keep momentum during COVID?

I really cherish this time. I felt burnt-out pre lockdown. It’s a rare case of relief, and I am extremely lucky to feel this way. I am churning this gratitude into my practice. I packed a suitcase of art supplies and I also have gigs lined up with Trash Springfield as soon as life goes back to subnormal. My art practice is a tool I use for meditation and keeps me in my heart space.