Art in toyland

Issue 18 | November 2006

Michael Doolan didn't embark on his PhD last year just because it would afford him a heated studio.

As a full-time lecturer at Monash, he already had an office that doubled as a comfortable sculpture space. "But I've worked in some horrible studios and the facilities here are great, and I always thank my lucky stars I'm teaching," he says.

Nonetheless, Mr Doolan decided it was time to challenge himself, distil his knowledge, "drive further into the sharper end" of his practice, in which he produces sought-after stylised 'toyland' sculptures that evoke childhood memories with a dash of humour and subtle sadness.

Mr Doolan sees his part-time doctorate, teaching and getting on with his own work as elements of one big picture.

"The PhD pushes you to read more and gather more knowledge about your area, but then bounce it back out to your students as well," he says.

And six months out from his doctorate, there is confirmation that the ideas are crystallising in his mind. Mr Doolan expects the PhD will benefit his work, at once modifying it and broadening his horizons.

"If you want to grow as an artist, and I think that's very important, a PhD is a way to round up all that stuff and maybe introduce you to an area that's totally unexpected," he says.

-- Melissa Marino