Billie Justice Thomson’s best life
South Australian artist Billie Justice Thomson is known for her bold and playful illustrations – now, she’s teaming up with fellow creative Arlon Hall to transform Art Gallery SA’s The Studio into an immersive space inspired by Monet to Matisse.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
My perfect day would ideally be waking up with my 9-year-old son Marvin, who magically decides to sleep in and head for yum cha for a late breakfast on Gouger Street with lots of friends, followed by a walk through the Adelaide Botanic Garden. To finish the day, we would enjoy a pizza at home, light the fire in the backyard and listen to music before heading to bed.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
I’ve recently spent a bit of time in hospital and was reminded of the kindness and compassion that nurses have. They really are the most incredible humans.
What is your favourite photograph?
I often take visiting friends and family to the Elvis Presley memorial in the Botanic Garden. It’s a beautiful shrine that people often leave flowers at on both his birthday and the day of his passing. This photo is of my wonderful cousins with my son and I, taken a few years ago.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
I recently came across the work of Nathan Hawkes. He’s an artist based in Sydney who works predominantly in pastel. I was racing through the MCA in Sydney and didn’t have much time but his dreamy and slightly unnerving large-scale work took my breath away. I actually reached out to him, I felt compelled to tell him that his work reminded me of a feeling like listening to a harp while your friend strokes your hair, and you might need a nap. It’s very beautiful and a little bit strange.
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
I would go straight to a plant nursery and buy lots and lots of new plants for my garden. I’ve been enjoying gardening more and more over recent years and it feels like a never-ending quest that changes with the seasons. Autumn is coming to an end, and the garden slows down but I still love to plant winter herbs like parsley and fill any gaps that have appeared through out the past months. I’m trying to introduce more native plants and find interesting and less common plants for my very small cottage garden.
A local bar you’d recommend?
The Exeter Hotel, Rundle Street. It’s the pub for absolutely everyone. You can drink a $400 bottle of Krug Champagne with an $8 bowl of hot chips at the front bar surrounded by tradespeople, nurses, lawyers and musicians. The fire is on all winter and it’s so inviting. I certainly don’t drink Krug very often, usually it’s a Coopers Dark Ale and a quick game of darts.
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What was the last television show you watched?
I’ve been revisiting Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Looking back at it now, you can see how his increasing humanitarian interest in politics plays a big role in his storytelling. Particularly when he visits Libya and the Congo.
Favourite way to unwind?
I love walking. Just wandering the streets on my own, aimlessly, checking in on people’s gardens as the seasons pass, hopefully patting a cat or dog on the way.
Last book you read?
The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan with Uncle Paul Gordon. It was an interesting insight into a kind of Indigenous Australian philosophy on everyday life.
Last song you listened to?
As by Stevie Wonder.
The Studio: Make an Impression is a free, immersive and vibrant space that invites visitors of all ages to step inside the paintings and explore through light, colour, lines and shapes whilst mixing, layering and blending artforms to create their own artwork to take home. It’s on July 4 – November 8.
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