Our Artist Profile series is spotlighting Deakin student artists and frequent WORDLY Magazine contributors.
What is your name, degree, and year of study?
My name is Venetia Slarke, and I am studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Visual-Communication Design. This is my third but not final year at Deakin.
Can you briefly explain your typical creative process?
I don’t exactly have a typical creative process, it’s very sporadic. Most of the time inspiration hits at the most annoying times such as midnight.

What mediums do you work with, and what themes do you explore in your work?
In the past I worked a lot with traditional mediums, with a strong focus on watercolour painting. However, in the past year or so I have slowly been transitioning to digital art. I find myself focusing on people and portraiture in particular. Along with this, mental illness is something I am trying to focus more on.

Who or what inspires you?
A big inspiration of mine is Vincent Van Gogh and Kathryn Del Barton, as well as a long list of artists which would go on for forever. I am inspired by people everywhere I go and the human psyche.
What is your favourite piece you’ve ever created?
That is an impossible question, as I am perfectionist and whenever I look back at old works I cringe at all the mistakes I’ve made. Although, I did a painting of David Tennant back in 2014 which to this day I am super proud of.
