Artist Profile: Dan Tomkins
South Australian artist Dan Tomkins’ work spans everything from retro fashion prints to abstracted coastal landscapes and pet portraiture. But it’s his contributions to the wine industry that have gained him the most renown – including the whimsical botanical watercolours he created for our Short Stories labels. Here, the Adelaide-Hills-based artist shares some thoughts on his creative approach, how daily hikes in the hills help to keep him grounded, and why his other great passion – meditation – is far from the relaxing practice many imagine.
Who or what first inspired you to get into art?
From very early on I was inspired by visual art, creating and making stuff. I’m naturally drawn to it and deeply interested in this practice, especially painting and drawing. I love the materials, the process, the people, the studio and the way of life.
I also remember my mother, who is very artistic, teaching me how watercolour paint worked when I was young. It was a light bulb moment. I just loved it. Now, every time I use watercolours and watch different pigments travel and spread through the water I think of her and that moment when I first saw it happen. Those same techniques I learned way back then are what I used and applied to your Short Stories illustrations.
Above, left to right: ‘Roots’ – label art for Short Stories GSM, ‘Spring' – label art for Short Stories SBS, ‘Homecoming' – label art for Short Stories Cabernets, ‘Serendipity’ – label art for Short Stories Rosé, ‘In Bloom’ – label art for Short Stories Nouveau
What does your working day look like?
I usually get up pretty early, walk and meditate before the morning school hustle. I work from a home studio nestled in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Work times vary depending on projects and deadlines but I try to keep it 9 to 5-ish. I used to work late at night but now I’m very much a morning and day person. Evenings are usually busy with kids’ sport and activities and dinner prep before crash landing on the sofa and hanging out with my peeps.
Preferred soundtrack when working?
Mostly chilled but I’m into all sorts of music in the studio depending on mood, energy and what I’m working on. Golden Brown is on high rotation at the moment [the instrumental music of artist, Stefan Beck].
How do you get over creative blocks?
I love walking, hiking, camping, surfing, swimming, snorkelling…all the outdoor goodness. Life is a juggle at the moment so there aren’t as many trips away as I would like but I try and get out for a quick walk every day… It’s a great circuit breaker when I’m stuck on something in the studio.
What’s one project you’re really proud of?
Hard to choose one!
I did some book illustrations with my dear friend and author, Catie Gett for her ‘Notes to My Daughter’ and ‘Notes to My Son’ publications. Her work is truly from the heart and I’m honoured to be a part of that project.
I also really enjoyed making a bunch of paintings for a little show called ‘Late Night Scribblings’ a few years back at our friend’s local coffee shop, Trouble & Strife in Goodwood, SA.
Above, left to right: “Bob Dylan,” “Purple Flower,” “Yellow Owl” from Late Night Scribblings
And, I paint a lot of commissioned dog portraits which are fun to make. I never expected to paint so many dog portraits, but after doing one for my partner of our dog Theo about 25 years ago, it really took off.
The commissions are very much a collaborative process and the responses to the initial sketches or final painting are often quite emotional. People love their dogs and the connection is deep. It’s a beautiful thing. I’ve painted well over 100 portraits now. I have an Instagram account for them; @_pigandpop_ (named after our two boxers, Frankie & Riley).
Something surprising about you?
I don’t drink caffeine anymore. Life changing.
Books that have moved you?
‘I AM THAT’ - Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. I’m never not reading it. Ever fresh.
What has been an influential moment of your life?
Two things stand out as pivotal; the birth of our beautiful kids and finding my meditation teacher, Linda Clair.
Tell us more about your meditation journey.
I stumbled into meditation and meeting my teacher by accident, really. I didn’t want to go to that first session – I just wanted to drink beer and watch TV – but my partner dragged me along and something deep happened as soon as I walked into the room.
It’s hard to explain how profound the effect has been. It feels like something so much bigger than me. It’s an ancient and very simple practice, but it’s not easy. It’s the hardest, most challenging, and most rewarding work I’ve ever done.
Retreats can be amazing but also absolutely gruelling at times. You never know how it will be or what will happen. It’s not relaxing and easy going like many people imagine. It’s training and it’s hard work. It shows you the inner workings of your mind which can be intense and confronting at times. And yet, there are moments where the peace, clarity and love you feel is beyond words. It’s an amazing adventure and my greatest passion.
You can check out more of Dan’s work via his Instagram accounts, @_pigandpop_ and @dan_tomkins.
Big thanks also to the team at @parallaxdesign for taking our scattered ideas and turning them into something beautiful.
Check out the finished labels below – and get 30% off Short Stories mixed 6-packs until Mar 28.
