Graduate story: Hobie Porter

Hobie Porter
Visual Artist and Visual Arts Educator
Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours
Graduate Diploma of Education

There was no choice but for me to become a visual artist. This might sound romantic, but being an artist seemed like the only choice for me to pursue a meaningful career. My lecturers at Southern Cross University showed me how it might be possible to contribute to contemporary visual culture and I've never looked back. I've subsequently realised that a meaningful career also includes helping others, so I became a teacher, too.

My SCU studies gave me the edge to pursue a career as a teacher at the primary, secondary, TAFE and university levels. They also taught me to research, think and to resolve before acting. They have helped me to navigate so many career pitfalls and to manage a dual career as a practising artist and educator.

I loved SCU's after-hours access. I remember working in the studios into the night with fellow students and lecturers, listening to great music and embracing the university experience to the fullest. It felt like anything was possible.

I have been invited to schools as an artist-in-residence, and been contracted by the Tweed River Art Gallery to provide educational packages for gallery members and secondary and tertiary students. I also teach drawing and painting at the North Coast TAFE. Otherwise, I work from my studio as a painter and exhibit regularly at the Arthouse Gallery, Sydney, where my exhibitions have been highly successful. My inspiration lies in the contemporary sublime, and environmental and spiritual implications underpin my current work.

Updated: 07 November 2012