Dinner With Chalk Circle

Chalk Circle Drawing By Bev Issac

I had the pleasure of having dinner with Chalk Circle, internationally famous painters and pavement artists who produce art for festivals and special events worldwide. Although I am not a painter, I feel so inspired by the Director of Chalk Circle.

Peter Voice is the leader of Chalk Circle. He is one of the pioneers of contemporary pavement art in the world. During dinner, he told me that he was originally arrested and charged with defacing public property in Melbourne but after a short, public battle with the council, laws were passed to recognise the artform. Peter has influenced many pavement artists working worldwide today. He also introduced the artform to North America, where it was almost unheard of, and his workshops in New Zealand and Australia have produced several outstanding artists.

Peter is not only a pavement artist, he had his first two solo exhibitions of paintings and drawings long before drawing on the streets. He is a painter, sculptor, humorist, administrator, performer, teacher, designer and writer - and I must add, a great story-teller and a good cook.

I feel really privileged to hang out with outstanding artists like Peter, Bev and Diana. And I certainly feel that my creative hunger was fed through looking at their great paintings in their home.