July 05, 2010
artist dagmar cyrulla
For those who have seen the paintings of Dagmar Cyrulla hang in the Dobell, Doug Moran and Sulman prizes it would come as no surprise she has just won the Mount Eyre Vineyards Art Prize 2010, currently on view at the Rex Livingston Gallery. Art critic John McDonald, who is always considered with his opinions, has lauded her artworks too. High praise indeed.
Which five words best describe you? Happy, passionate, positive, creative and witty.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since? My first job was at KFC!
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? That there is no failure or success, simply outcomes. Some lift your spirits and some don't but it is really about how we relate the outcome to ourselves in an internal dialogue.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I don't know if I want to single out one event, as that might diminish another. I think wonderful things happen all the time and I am very fortunate.
What’s been your best decision? To marry Tom and work through any challenges we may have faced, he is my rock.
Who inspires you? My friends; mostly strong positive people who are very focused on living life to the fullest. I love people who are inclined to seek out the positive.
What are you passionate about? That is an easy one - Art and Life. Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love to ask Singer Sargent, Velazquez or Hopper a few things, but I don't think much about who I would like to meet. I know some extraordinary people: Eric Fischl has given a lot of his time and energy to helping me with my artistic ideas. I hope to meet both him and his wife at some stage.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I want to paint wonderful, arresting paintings. I would like to paint as close to or past 100 years of age - health permitting.
What are you reading? True to Life: 25 Years of Conversation with David Hockney, which is a fabulous book.
images courtesy of dagmar cyrulla, rex livingston gallery and gadfly gallery