Kyneton local and 2023 National Capital Art Prize finalist Daniel Butterworth tells Zoe Moffatt about his connection to the area and work as an artist.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a full time practising artist who enjoys the challenge of paint and in particular capturing flesh with it. My love for the figure has been dominant throughout my artistic career, and I believe it is one of the most challenging genres. With this I also run masterclasses, this has seen me travel interstate as well as locally for VCE students and adults wanting to refine their skills.
What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges?
I grew up in Spring Hill, between Kyneton and Dayelsford, before moving to Malmsbury as an adult and I now live in Kyneton. So Mount Macedon has always been a backdrop for my life.
What do you like about where you live?
Kyneton is beautiful, sure it gets cold, sure it gets hot and this is why, you get to experience all the seasons. Growing up Kyneton was just a little farming town, now It is quite sought after, and I have enjoyed watching the area transform.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Nothing
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
There are a couple, Cussack and Cussack is a gallery in Piper Street, Stockroom is also a gallery in Piper Street, and Piper Street Food Company does pizza on a Friday night that can be ordered from the gin factory Animus Distillery.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was asked to paint the person who started Village Cinemas and is the Chief executive of Movie World, Sea World, Wet and Wild in front of all his staff
You have been an artist for almost your entire life, tell us about that?
My father is a sculptor so I have always been around art, and gone to galleries. Art is always in the conversation. I also have two brothers and a sister all who are creative, my youngest brother Matt is in the art world also and we are always conversing, showing each other current pieces.
My life is art and it is not like a hobby or something I do, it is a part of me, it is my language.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
I have many for different reasons, tia Shan Shirenberg, Eric Fischl, Jenny Seville and Lucien Freud to name a few.
What is your favourite artwork and why?
If I were to own a piece of art it would be either the anatomy lesson by Rembrandt or Leigh Bowery’s back under the skylight by Lucien Freud.
