Q and A with Pakenham artist Leanne Hutchinson

Leanne Hutchinson is a Pakenham-based artist and is currently working on a mural in the main street. Photo: JENNI MILLER

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m scared off heights ….I surprised myself and bungee jumped.

Did you grow up wanting to be an artist?

I never thought I did and don’t remember doing it that much, but meeting people as adults that I went to primary school with that remembered me for ‘such a good drawer’.

What is the most interesting art request you’ve received?

To paint someones dream, having to try and interpret what the meaning of it was.

What are you most passionate about?

Family, people and teaching in my studio.

What is your favourite thing about Pakenham?

Having small acreage, that my kids grew up on, still being so close to everything and everywhere.

What would your last meal be?

Surprisingly not that glamorous….tomato, avocado, red onion, chilli sauce on a seeded dry biscuit.

What was your most memorable moment?

I have a few, but being told I’m going to be a Nanni was pretty special.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Wasn’t really there for subjects, but socialising was good! I’d have to say art.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

The birth of a baby.

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My mother and father, friends Shane and Nicky, Salvador Dali, Margaret Olley…..hard to stop at six.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Podcasts in my studio, ’Talking with Painters’.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

A little ‘Artie Fartie”, soft flowy, casual linen look, whatever that is.

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

Soooo many pets. Have had fun socialising with race horses.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Something with seafood, have been a pescatarian for over five years now.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Italy, I also love camping, but anywhere at the moment!!

What were you like as a kid?

Easy going, just wanted fun.

What is your favourite colour and why?

Different shades of aqua. It was my Mum’s and she would always choose, what she called…”a shade of”.

Do you consider yourself an extravert or an introvert?

Everyone that knows me would say an extravert, but there are some occasions that I would say introvert….I can hear people LOL as they read this.