Graeme Altmann was born in Warrnambool, lived and studied in Warrnambool and Melbourne to the age of 26, then relocated to Melbourne permanently where he has continued his full time arts practice.
After continued commercial representation for the last 30 years and an expanding arts practice incorporating bronze sculptures and installations, Altmann has now established his own studio. His work continues to be inspired by the back roads of the Western District and the obscure coastal narrative of the Southern coastline.
“Like many artists who are still practising after 30 years, my love for drawing and painting developed at a vey Meaning, very early age. Techniques and styles were acquired and constantly experimented with before and after graduating from a fine art degree.
I have always had a strong affiliation with the coast, it was where I was born and it is where I found a greater language to my work. I became fascinated by the power of the sea and the stories of others who have connections to it. The isolated man standing on the bow of a boat , floating in ‘the in-between’ has become an iconic form in much of my work. Gathering places of our coast as represented by the evidence of ancient indigenous middens are also a main feature of my current work.” Graeme Altmann.