TBI Q&A: Joey Bania

Joey Bania tells us more about himself and the documentary A Delicate Canvas, co-directed with his friend James Blake, which chronicles a year in the life of environmental artist Martin Hill.

"It's a moody piece, intended to seduce and quietly persuade, in the manner of Hill's art."

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Joey Bania tells us more about himself and the documentary A Delicate Canvas, co-directed with his friend James Blake, which chronicles a year in the life of environmental artist Martin Hill.

"It's a moody piece, intended to seduce and quietly persuade, in the manner of Hill's art."

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

I feel most inspired whenever I'm running, which usually happens to be the last thing I do before dinner. So I guess we're talking mid-evening.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

If I caught them in a good mood they might use adjectives like "beautiful", "surreal", "transcendent", "mystical" and " evocative".

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Capturing images is the most thrilling part of what I do. Whether I'm shooting photographs or moving images, looking through the viewfinder takes me to a place where I'm completely enthralled and absorbed in what I'm doing.

How does your environment affect your work?

I'm so used to moving and working all over the place that it's hard to say exactly what effect my environment has on my work. I certainly get inspired by some places more than others and I definitely need a degree of peace and quiet to get any decent work done.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I like to do both but if I don't check myself I inevitably get bogged down in the details. This is both a blessing and a curse.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

There's a quote I like from writer Austin Kleon, "Be nice. The world is a small town". I think this rings especially true in NZ where you can count on meeting people again.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

A short documentary I recently put together for the BBC Knowledge channel was pretty satisfying as I was very happy with the end result and got a lot of positive feedback from friends, family and strangers. Knowing that people enjoy your work is the best you can hope for.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

I was recently introduced to an incredible podcast called Radiolab and have been churning through the archives. Every episode is a storytelling master class.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I led a happy if uneventful childhood in Auckland, Sydney and Queenstown, which left me in the unenviable position of being both a jafa and an Australian. After a couple of years of undergraduate confusion in Dunedin, I discovered the joy of film. Now, with a camera in hand and a Masters of Science Communication under my arm, I'm ready to take on the world.

Tell us a bit about your documentary

The film (A Delicate Canvas), which I made with my friend James Blake, chronicles a year in the life of environmental artist Martin Hill. It's a moody piece, intended to seduce and quietly persuade, in the manner of Hill's art. In addition to showcasing the artist's sculptures, it also features some pretty spectacular footage of South Island wilderness, which we were lucky enough to experience first hand. It's also got a lush ambient score that audiophiles out there should enjoy.

Why is documentary important?

Because it has the power to move, entertain, educate and inspire.

What else is needed to support documentaries in NZ?

There needs to be more focus on encouraging and facilitating online distribution.

Tell us about your other upcoming projects.

I'll soon be premiering a music video I shot and directed for Scottish artist Orla Wren via Vimeo. I also have a couple of bigger projects in development - one narrative and one documentary, and I'm currently exploring funding avenues for both.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

It'd be a toss up between architect, astronaut and designer.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

There's a labyrinth of disused exploratory logging trails behind my old Queeenstown abode that I know like the back of my hand. For some reason I often find myself pining for them.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

In a dimly lit room, with incense on, late at night. Because those things really complement a lot of music I like.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A kite.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

I'm fortunate enough never have had to ask for any.

What’s great about the Documentary Edge Festival and Forum?

This is my first time so I'm not sure but I can't wait to find out.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

More grains, less sugar.

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