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An Interview with Tim Swallow

An Interview with Tim Swallow

Let us introduce you to the v talented Tim Swallow. You might recognise some of his work in a few of our campaigns, or also because he's a well-known name around town. Tim's imagery depicts a series of lost worlds in which scenes of spontaneous revelry break out against a backdrop of striking and lurid landscapes. His work is a journey exploring his carefree generation – it is in the sweet liminal zone between music, fashion and a perpetually sun-soaked life that edges on the unashamedly hedonistic, yet unabashed innocence of youth culture. Following the success of Tim's latest Sydney exhibitions 'We Live Today' and its predecessor ‘If We Die Tomorrow’, we offered for him to take the show on the road for a combined exhibition at our new studio space (Black Moon Studio) in Byron Bay. To celebrate the exhibition this Friday, Nat sat down with Tim to ask him a few burning questions. We hope you enjoy it, and we hope to see you there this Friday. RSVP TO THE EVENT NOW. Nat: Timmy Boi! Firstly, congrats on the new show. Sydney looked like it went off. How was it received in ye olde home town? Tim: Thanks, Nat aka 'Batt Boy'. It was great, I got a lot of press and sales. We had roughly 400 through the door on the opening night and another 300 over the weekend. The show was full of laughs, everyone was catching up with new friends and old. I was so exhausted by the end of it all I didn't even make it to my own after-party - That's not to say that everyone else that got there didn't give it a good nudge! Nat: And now we’re bringing the show to Byron - What is your relationship with Byron and what prompted you to bring the show up here?  Tim: Byron was actually the first place I came up with the initial concept for these shows. It was a halcyon afternoon, everyone was feeling it and I had my camera, so I shot it. In saying that - it was the first shoot I'd done in that tone and there was a lot of room for improvement in regards to direction. Nothing was planned, it was just a spontaneous moment. I knew I had an idea to expand on, so I treated it as a learning experience, something to work on and 'If We Die Tomorrow' was born.  After the success of my recent Sydney show 'We Live Today' I was offered the opportunity to exhibit both exhibitions at Black Moon Studio by my good pals at Thrills. I'm excited for Byron to finally see these images in the flesh. I shot two or three concepts up there so it will be cool for people to identify locations and friends involved. Nat: For a fashion photographer not a lot of your talent seem to be wearing much in the way of fashion/anything at all in either this show or your previous. Is minimal clothing something that is premeditated when conceptualising a project like this, or does it happen more organically as each shot comes to life?  Tim: It's pretty much all premeditated. It's a concept, a return to our natural state. There’s a point in time as a child when nudity is completely acceptable, however as we grow as humans we conform and feel totally masked by our inhibitions.  Embracing our surrounds, being present and spontaneous was a huge inspiration. As for the nudity, well... Everything is more fun in the nude. ha The first exhibition 'If We Die Tomorrow' was more spontaneous, yet still planned. 'We Live Today' was finessed yet still buck wild and free. At its heart this is not some hippy shit, it's punk, not necessary in aesthetic but by attitude. A disarming of cultural constraints. Flipping the bird to consumerism and the technical shackles that seem to hold us, and letting go. Nat: A lot of people ask about inspiration within the photography landscape, but what inspires your work outside of photography?  Tim: Surfing, music, art, friends, family and travelling bring me so much joy and inspiration. I couldn't achieve what I do without all of those elements in my life on a day-to-day. Nat: When planning a shoot or shot, there are 2 types of people in this world. There are the people who plan everything down to the most minute detail - And then you have the others, who prefer to wing it and just let the magic happen naturally. Your work seems more about capturing those real life, candid, in-between moments. How detail orientated are you in your planning? Is the personality and real-ness that shines through in your imagery a product of your relaxed & loose shooting style, or is that something that you work hard to create through a calculated approach?  Tim: I'm calculated to a point, times, dates, location, equipment and talent etc. But once we are ready to shoot I drop all expectations, inhibition and concerns. I shoot fast and loose. I embrace what mother nature throws at me whilst on location and shoot the 'bigger' picture when in a studio. I like things to be chaotic yet controlled.  Nat: And lastly, you destroyed my bike creating one of the shots in the show - Will I be reimbursed?  Tim: I'm pretty sure nobody actually owned the bikes in that shoot. So I'll answer your question with another question.  If I was to steal you a bike from the back of Cheeky Monkeys at roughly 3.30am on Sunday morning would we be square? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a bike for a bike. 

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The Wrap Up: Tim Caraco's 'Freedom Machines'

The Wrap Up: Tim Caraco's 'Freedom Machines'

Late last year, many of us sadly lost a dear friend. Tim Caraco was an endlessly talented photographer and an immensely charismatic personality. Tim captured chopper subculture not just here in Australia but also on an international scale. For many years Tim worked tirelessly with his camera in order to bring people together with his imagery. His passion for motorcycles put him at the forefront of his peers, and firmly engrained him into the minds of the masses.  Tim’s documentation of choppers now gives us all a chance to live in the shoes of those who live and breath these machines. From long nights in the garage to long days on the open road.  We were proud to work alongside Tim’s family and friends to hold a one night only exhibition to feature some of Tim's favourite visuals from around Australia and the globe. Tim will continue to live on through these shared works. See what we got up to below.   Didn't make it to the exhibition? Tim's artwork and books are available to purchase here. HUGE THANK YOU TO: Photos: Benson Keers Food: The Wiener Haus Drinks: Byron Bay Brewery Live music: Daisy Brains

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Family Ties: Yeah, Nice Gallery

Family Ties: Yeah, Nice Gallery

Meet Holly and Jordi from Yeah, Nice Gallery. A sweet little gallery based in Mullumbimby; this art space has quickly become a well-known name to Byron Bay locals. We took 5 with owners and curators, Hol and Jordi, to find out more about them, art, plus get some insight into their styles.  SHOP HOLLY & JORDI'S FAVOURITES NOW Tell us a little bit about yourselves: Holly - I'm Holly and run the Yeah Nice Gallery along with my mate, Jordi. I'm also a freelance designer and mum to 2 year old, Della. How did Yeah Nice Gallery come about? Jordi - I'm pretty sure the idea came about from sitting on Holly's couch complaining about  the work/ mum life juggle and that there was such a lack of cool things to do on a Friday night.  Holly - We were toying with the idea for a gallery for a while but never thought it would ever actually happen. Then, a space freed up and we thought, 'it's now or never!" Have you both always been interested in art? Holly - Yes, I think that's fair to say. Jordi - Since before I can remember... I have made art since I was maybe about 4 years old and went to art school for 4 years. What does the future hold for Yeah, Nice? Holly - With the gallery only being open for about 6 months, we are hoping to just keep it rolling along, with about one solo artist show per month. We also want to be a go-to hire space for workshops and other cool things.  Jordi - Cant wait for the rest of our first year to unfold and for us to introduce you to some amazing art by amazingly talented artists... we also have some drawing workshops and other bits and pieces coming up! Describe your style in 3 words. Holly - Simple, loose, utilitarian Jordi - Confused, comfortable and "un-sexy".  How has your style changed from when you first started until now? Holly - It hasn't! Tell us a bit about how you style your outfits.  Holly - It has to be comfy and practical. Jordi - I guess I usually get dressed in according to how I feel... which is usually a "just want to feel comfortable and confident" kind of mood.  Tell us a little bit about living in Byron Bay? How long have you been living here? Any tips? etc. Holly - I've been here for 9 years (with a one year stint in Sydney to break it up), but only lived in Byron for about 3 or 4 years, we are in Banaglow now and love it. Tips? Find like minded people to surround yourself with, constantly explore the beauty around you and remember what brought you here in the first place.  Jordi - I've lived in this area for almost 10 years now. Not too sure I have any tips as its much like living anywhere else. We actually live just outside of Byron and really try not to make it into town too much as it has definitely changed a lot in the last 10 years.  What’s a typical day-in-the-life of Jordi and Holly look like? Holly - On a day off our little girl wakes us up early, I will probably pretend to be asleep until her dad gets up and makes her brekky! We'll go and get coffee together then head to the beach or somewhere where we can all let off some steam, head home for lunch, then spend the arvo relaxing and drinking beers, maybe have some friends over for dinner. A working day look much different, with some sort of combination of lots of computer time for me, trying to constantly distract Della with activities and falling in a heap at the end of the day. Jordi - If I am not working.. Coffee! Always first!...... then food, beach, beers .... repeat? What do you do in your spare time? Holly - Hang out with my family. Jordi - Paint, spend time with my family, usually at the beach or on our little adventures away... Holly and I also spend a lot of our free time together. Some things or people inspiring you right now: Holly - Inspired by people doing what they love and making a difference. Jordi - I am constantly inspired by the people around me for all sorts of different reasons... Friends that live close and are kick ass business people or friends that have moved away and are living it up in the big city! I am also forever inspired by the works that are being exhibited at Yeah Nice... these artists have a lot to say and I am pretty stoked that we can help them to do that.  Music you’re listening to right now:  Holly - Woods, Rolling Blackouts, Sharon Van Etten and Nick Cave, always. Jordi - I am on a bit of a Devendra Banhart binge at the moment.  2019 goals/plans/something you want to speak into existence: Holly - The year has gone so fast, I just want to enjoy the rest of it and keep the good things rolling for Yeah Nice, as long as people keep coming, we will be happy! Jordi - To keep showing amazing art at the gallery and to watch Yeah, Nice Gallery grow and evolve. 

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THRILLS x BOW3RY

THRILLS x BOW3RY

  We're huge believers in supporting talented independent artists and championing their work. Let's get real: Without the creativity and vision of artists, the world would be an awfully uninspiring place. That's why we've teamed up with the creative minds at BOW3RY to launch an exclusive capsule collection. Available online now. SHOP THE CAPSULE COLLECTION.   BOW3RY flirts with notions of shady counter cultures that creates a mystery behind he and his art. A distorted look on humanity and the world sees forgotten horror, death and destruction minced and melted into each dark creation.   Based in Melbourne but lurking around LA and beyond, BOW3RY has built a cult following in the graphic world willing to follow into the depths of any apocalypse.

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"LOCAL HERO" - A solo art exhibiton by Jacob Boylan

"LOCAL HERO" - A solo art exhibiton by Jacob Boylan

Jacob Boylan is a man of many talents. Frontman of Byron based band Mini Skirt for which his honest and upfront lyrics have earned him praise among peers and outsiders alike, a talented surfer on craft of all shapes and sizes and then to top it off, he happens to be pretty handy with a paintbrush – or a screen…. You know, screen printing, the same way all your t-shirts are made. It turns out Jacob is pretty fond of a screen print. We have always been big fans of Jacob’s artwork and with a solo exhibition in Mullumbimby this Friday we thought it was time for a crash course introduction to get you up to speed. So you have a solo show launching this Friday, do you want to tell us a bit about it? Yeah I do! It’s this Friday at Yeah Nice Gallery in Mullumbimby from 6-8pm, it’s a super cute little zone, then off to karaoke! It’s probably the most work I’ve ever put into something maybe. It’s also accidentally super Rugby League related. When did you first become passionate about art? I would say I became “passionate” when I was about 16, thanks to a stern high school teacher that I thought hated me, but turns out she really liked me. We still catch up at least once a year. Thanks Miss D Who inspired you the most growing up? Definitely the tattoo artist Angelique Houtkamp, surf legend Ozzie Wright, probably Jack Irvine, just because I actually knew him and he was older and doing cool art stuff and also Andy Warhol and Basquiat. Who inspires you the most now? John Baldessari, Robert Rauschenberg, Tony Albert, my dear friend Adam Oste and all the legends that made ridiculous coffee table books about Australia and sport at any point between 1970 and 2000. What is your favourite medium for your own art? Screen printing for sure. Collage too. I like how it looks and the idea of recontextualising things that already exist. We already have too much stuff. You have other passions outside of painting and drawing if you had to pick one for the rest of your life what would it be? Shit. I know this is super corny but it would have to be surfing. Shoot me. Can you give us a quick summary of what to expect on Friday? Free beers, my girlfriend singing “What About Me” at karaoke and you spending your life savings on my art. Cheers in advance Alright, now you know, don’t miss out. “LOCAL HERO” Artworks by Jacob Boylan Friday 6pm March 15th Yeah, Nice. Gallery               Mill Street, Mullumbimby              NSW 2482

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ARTIST PROFILE: FUNERAL FRENCH

ARTIST PROFILE: FUNERAL FRENCH

ARTIST PROFILE: FUNERAL FRENCHWe recently got together with French to create a new range for the TSI collection (shop here). Funeral French created each piece using his love of skateboarding and heavy metal as influences. We asked French some questions about life in Aus, his art and plans for the future. Read more about French over on the blog.WORDS WITH FRENCH  Where did the name funeral French come from? Well my nickname is 'French', which I got from the older skaters for having an Etnies t-shirt in the early 90's 'cos it used to be a french brand and all the english skaters rode Vans and it was a kinder dis calling someone French. 'The Funeral' bit just got added as it was part of my email address I had ages ago and when I started making work for brands like Creature, they just started using the whole thing as my name. I've never actually asked anyone to call me 'Funeral French' its just been used by people and then it was the easiest thing to use as my website as its good for a web search cos just searching 'French' doesn't work.   Have you seen a change in your works over the years? Yeah loads and loads. Originally all my was really loose and super sketchy, I didn't used to draw in pencil at all, I would just work direct in ink and I would just throw out what didn't work. But as time went on I tightened up and started to work in pencil and gradually the use the computer helped to make things easier to put things together. Also I used to only work in about 3 colours, not threw lack of wanting to, just that it seemed anyone I worked with just wanted a minimal number of colours due to cost of screen printing.   Where has the heavy metal vibe to your work come from? I really like Heavy Metal!!! Its pretty much all I listen to, I just love all metal from classic rock or hard rock to seriously ridiculous and horrible death metal and that just ran into my work.   Tunes to work too? At the moment I've been listening to Witchburner, Archnid, Master, Hellripper, Considered Dead, Slaughterday, Chapel, Sewercide, Mötorhead, Mortician, Impaled and Sodom.  What was living in Melbourne like compared to the UK? Its like chalk and cheese, I loved living in Melbourne, it was fucking great. So much fun, the weather is rad, the people are really nice, there's so much to skate, loads of good metal shows, a had the best group of friends I've ever had and there's loads of good pubs and you can get out to country real easy. I miss it every day, I'd love to go back.   Plenty of good crew and spots down in Melb, Who were you skating with mostly? I liked skating so many different places. The city is rad to cruise around and hit all the spots and all the car parks, especially in the evening. I lived next to Fitzy bowl so I used to hit that up regularly with my friend Dave for an hour of power. I really loved driving out to places like Old Know skate park, I'm always stoked to skate an old snake run like Bulleen.   You told me you’ve moved again from the UK and now set up in Germany. How’d that come up? What’s the plan over there? Yeah, my wife and I didn't want t move back to England, it just meant due to her job we had to leave Aus, so we went back to the UK for 7 months and them my wife got offered a job at the Adidas head office in Nuremburg, Germany so we were down to move here. Its a rad a place, still getting our feet but so far its been rad. I've been taking German lessons and things are travelling along well.   Something you can't do without daily? Vegemite, Metal, Sainsbury's Red Label Tea bags, Skateboarding, drawing & shouting!! 

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ARTIST PROFILE : COCO LOBERG

ARTIST PROFILE : COCO LOBERG

Coco Loberg has been tattooing for just 2 years and already has a rapidly growing customer base tuning in to her minimal, aesthetically pleasing & effortlessly cool designs. Emphasising on cult movie references & fragile line work Coco takes realism to simplicity & creates something special. Growing up between LA & the Gold Coast we chat Harley Davidson road trips, tattooing out of canoes & keeping’ it in the family. 

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ARTIST PROFILE: SUNDAYS WITH TAB MCGREGOR

ARTIST PROFILE: SUNDAYS WITH TAB MCGREGOR

Meet Tabitha.Not only is she the co-founder and womenswear designer here at THRILLS, Tabitha is also launching an art exhibition here in Byron Bay. Drawing inspiration from symbolism through found objects, Tabitha's art is a collaboration of realistic graphite drawings, sculpture and paintings. Tabitha has been drawing and creating since she was a child, growing up between the US and Australia. She majored in fine arts and graphic design and has since launched many projects including Thrills and her own art career.Opening this Friday night, April 20th at the Lone Goat Gallery in Byron Bay, Tabitha's latest body of work encapsulates the essence of life experiences through the power of symbolism.

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ARTIST PROFILE | SIT STILL LAUREN

ARTIST PROFILE | SIT STILL LAUREN

If you've ever stopped by our flagship store in our hometown of Byron Bay, you would have seen Lauren's incredible unique ceramics. We can proudly say we were one of the first stockists of Lauren's pieces and are so proud of her success and recognition as an accomplished ceramicist, supplying one-off handmade pieces to not only boutiques Australia-wide, but to top restaurants.We recently caught up with Lauren to find out all things pottery, how she stays motivated and of course, what her favourite THRILLS pieces are. Lauren's ceramics are available for purchase in our Far East store in Byron Bay and our South of Paradise store in Melbourne. SHOP LAUREN'S PICKS

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TSI | DIXON

TSI | DIXON

THRILLS SUPPORT INDEPENDENT | MARCUS DIXON Marcus Dixon is at the forefront of young Australian Artist/Designers bringing a huge breath of fresh air to the scene through his humorous dark depictions of Australiana, booze, topless women and skate culture. We’ve partnered up with Marcus for our artist series collection, offered exclusively online and selected premium retailers. SHOP HERE

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ARTIST PROFILE | CLAUDIA MOREHEAD

ARTIST PROFILE | CLAUDIA MOREHEAD

Claudia is often seen around Byron with her hair in messy space buns, some kind of school girl gone rogue outfit and mischievous eyes that match. No question as to how she made it into our Artist Profiles - Claudia is a self-taught musician and has already started her very own girl band - The Galaxy Girls... Just another one of her creative outlets along with film and fashion. We talk art, style & inspiration below.Q. 3 words that sum you up? A. Roses are Red   Q. Where are you from & how did you find yourself creating?   I grew up in Sydney on the Northern Beaches. I moved to Byron when I was 19 and have found myself back here again after a stint of travels and living overseas. I guess I’ve been creating since I was a kid, I’ve just moved on from mud pies, paper mache and school talent quests and find myself doing things just as fun but a little more my age bracket.    Q. What do you do as an artist? A. I love film. I’ve just wrapped up film school, so I find myself making videos wherever I can. I also write music, play bass and sing with my girls in our band, The Galaxy Girls.   Q. What inspires you? A.  People. I love people. The things they do; whether that be the subject or inspiration. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded with incredible people that constantly inspire me and encourage me.   Q. How would you describe your style? A. My style has always pretty much been the same… I’m a 90’s baby and thats pretty relevant in the way I dress. I enjoy the fact that you can dress yourself according to your mood and wear your mood all day. Today I’m wearing yellow and am feeling particularly happy. I don't like grown up clothes, I hope I’m wearing tartan school skirts forever.   Q. What do you dig about THRILLS? Thats its from Byron Bay but its in no way boho. Haha. Lots of denim. Lots of black. Im obsessed with my Thelma Rose Jeans and matching rose jacket, thank you for creating such things!    Q. Passionate about? A.  Too much. Need to slow down.   Q. Last record you played? A. I bought Beach House ‘Thank My Lucky Stars’ from the record shop in town a couple of weeks back and I haven't put it back in its cover. But that wouldn't surprise anyone who knows me, Beach House is my go to no matter my mood.   Q. Shit you like to do on a Saturday night? The sky’s the limit.   

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ARTIST PROFILES | STEVEN ADDAE

ARTIST PROFILES | STEVEN ADDAE

Refined, Particular & Bald. Steven is a model & photographer. He likes stuff that looks nice, David Attenborough & haloumi. Read more about Steven and what inspires him as an artist below...   Q. 3 words that sum you up? A. Refined, Particular & Bald Q. Where are you from & how did you find yourself creating?A. I was born and raised in Brunswick, Melbourne and moved to Fiji when I was 8, I've been in Byron for the past 5 years. My father's from Ghana, in West Africa.I guess I started about a year ago with photography, every part of it's just for fun.  Q. What do you do as an artist? A. As an artist I guess I take pictures and of things I like and compose environments to shoot. Like for example the one I did for you. Modelings not really an art, but it's part of the process of taking good photos.  Q. What inspires you? A. What I see. Q. How would you describe your style? A. Just like I'd describe myself - refined, particular, and bald. A lot of blue, black and white too.  Q. What do you dig about THRILLS? A. I dig the striped long sleeves, absolute fire. And the bones jeans.  Q. Passionate about? A.  just love stuff that looks nice. And words, English & French.  Q. Last record you played? A. Was a couple weeks ago with my friend Noah, so probably A$AP Rocky on vinyl. Q. Shit you like to do on a Saturday night? A. I honestly couldn't say, days are becoming a foreign concept to me. It changes all the time. Ideally, it'd be with David Attenborough or Action Bronson's Fuck That's Delicious, some mushrooms and haloumi and a joint. 

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PROFILE: AINSLEY HUTCHENCE | STICKS & STONES AGENCY

PROFILE: AINSLEY HUTCHENCE | STICKS & STONES AGENCY

Ainsley of Sticks & Stones Agency talks us over what inspires her work, fav things to do on a Saturday night + being a glamorous mess.Q. 3 words that sum you up? A. Ainsley Louise Hutchence (indescribable)Q. Where are you from & how did you find yourself creating? A. Sunshine Coast (Aus), a beautiful coastal small town vibe place North of Brisbane. Everyone knows everyone. Not much to do aside from enjoy nature & CREATE.Q. What do you do as an artist? A. Curate Sticks & Stones website, art director, photographer, stylist & whatever pays the bills when I'm poor :)Q. What inspires you? A. Nature, authentic people doing what they love, my daughter (@ulacoco), my cat.Q. How would you describe your style?A. Glamourous mess, i.e - Sequins or metallic meets shirt with stains & holes.Q. What do you dig about THRILLS?A. Comfortable & cool AF at the same time. Awesome/inspiring imagery.Q. Passionate about?A. LOVE, purpose, people, animals, nature, sexy times, Sticks & Stones.Q. Last record you played?A. Jonsi - Go.Q. Shit you like to do on a Saturday night?A. Live music, good food, good sex (in that order).

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