Artist reveals secrets to success

A Darwin-based artist is revealing his secrets to gaining international success in a new book that is about to be launched.

Acclaimed artist and Charles Darwin University Visual Arts lecturer John Dahlsen will launch his book, “An Artist's Guide to a Successful Career”, in Rome in Late June.

The practical art guide will become part of the syllabus for CDU’s Visual Arts Creative Practice Unit.

Mr Dahlsen encouraged aspiring artists to adopt a balanced lifestyle that supported their creativity, such as eating healthy, sleeping well and exercising.

“It’s not just about art, it’s really about how to live a holistic life,” he said.

“If people are open to the awe of the creative process, so many good things can happen and that’s what I try to give to my students.”

Mr Dahlsen also encouraged aspiring artists to reflect on why they wanted to become artists and create long-term goals in order to succeed.

“To have an enriching career, you also need a healthy ambition because nothing gets done unless you have that drive,” he said. “Dispelling out-dated notions around artists and money is also important.”

The book will be launched at the Ninth International Conference on the Arts in Society in Rome on June 26-27.

Mr Dahlsen is currently completing a PhD in Environmental Art at CDU.