Two Minutes with Michael Zavros

By Susannah George | Posted in Two Minutes with Tastemakers | 17 April 2012 7:02AM

In my humble opinion, Michael Zavros is Brisbane’s most finely honed aesthete. An extraordinary eye for beauty; an unsurpassed appreciation for the merit of detail; and an inquisitive charm that swaddles each and every move he makes.

Should you not know Michael’s work, you should Google immediately. His exquisite artistry has been awarded with some of the industry’s most prestigious prizes, including the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, and more recently, the inaugural Bulgari Art Award announced last week. He is among Brisbane’s finest exports; and luckily one that still lives in our midst.

But what I find the most intriguing (and pleasantly surprising on first meeting) about this Renaissance man is, despite the decadent life his work depicts; his demeanour, while ultimately refined, is that of a humble, generous and family-oriented gentleman.

Michael Zavros at work in his Brisbane studio Michael Zavros Bulgari Art Award

Michael Zavros award-winning Brisbane artist, Michael Zavros Bulgari Art Award

Prince/Zavros, 2011 charcoal on paper

Phoebe is Dead, the 2010 Moran Portrait National Prize winner

TUL: Describe in one sentence what you do for work?

I am an artist.

TUL: What is the most exciting part of your job?

After a decade and a half of making do in any space, I have a beautiful new studio. I get excited just unlocking the door in the morning.

TUL: If you weren’t working in your profession, what other career would you choose?

I would design cars.

TUL: Describe your style.

Mad Men meets A Country Practice

TUL: If you were an animal, what would you be?

A black stallion

TUL: If you could have a super power what would it be?

I would stop time

TUL: Best way to spend $50?

Tanqueray

TUL: And the best way to spend $500?

My new Warthog skull

TUL: What was the last song you downloaded?

Waterfalls by TLC

TUL: What would you request for your last meal on earth?

Kleftiko, ‘stolen lamb’, a Greek dish; a Long Island Iced Tea; a Caprioska; a Mojito; and another Long Island Iced Tea.

TUL: What’s your Sunday routine?

Breakfast at Chandler markets with my little family, buying up fresh produce (5kg of apples every week) followed by a long lunch, some studio time and a run (long lunch permitting).

TUL: Favourite city… other than Brisbane?

Cape Town

TUL: 3 places in Brisbane you couldn’t live without?

D House, my studio, Brisbane International Airport

TUL: Favourite Brisbane coffee place?

My kitchen for Di Bella coffee

TUL: Favourite Brisbane restaurant?

e’cco bistro (still)

TUL: Place for a drink?

Dry Martini in Barcelona

TUL: Shopping destination?

Harrington’s Antiques

TUL: Indulgence?

Taxidermy (these past 15 years!)

TUL: Latest Brisbane discovery?

Daniel’s salmon fish finger sandwich at Pearl Café

This A List post was featured in our April eNews, April Secrets + Aesthetes. Make sure you're ahead of the urban curve and sign up to receive email updates and exclusives.

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