artist simon cavanough







A few weeks ago I met the lovely artist Anna-Wili Highfield at her studio in St Peters (pics here). She shares the space with her husband, Simon Cavanough, also an artist. I was fascinated that the two could work side-by-side, especially as they both create sculptures (albeit quite different ones). When I went to visit their home, it was filled with examples of both their work: different but complementary - kind of like them.

Which five words best describe you? Intrigued, dreamer, inventor, romantic, cranky.
What was your first career job and what path have you taken since? Opera Australia for 13 years (ouch) followed by special effects and models, mostly for TV commercials.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? The drums.
What’s your proudest career achievement? My carreer is in making stuff and I've made a thousands things, but maybe 300 of them have had a bit magic and most of those 300 I can't even remember; there is no mid-week hump.
What’s been your best decision? Having a child.
Who inspires you? Anyone with a mix of keen passion and objective distance.
What are you passionate about? Dynamic soaring (check it out).
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Meaningful conversations are not prescribed.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? My own business.
What are you reading? Not much time for fiction. I love facts and I read about them in magazines and on the web. My work is science and engineering, the magic and the poetry is pulled from the gaps.

images courtesy of simon cavanough