Zachary Craig emphasizes the intrinsic value of emotion and joy in his artistic practice. He views painting as a pure bodily act that transcends conceptual and rational considerations. The canvas becomes a space for dialogue, where mistakes lead to discoveries, aiming to evoke a spectrum of emotions. 

In his abstract compositions, Craig dismisses preconceived plans or sketches. The painting process is spontaneous, driven by sensations, and the interplay between brush and canvas. Rejecting the need for recognizable figures or landscapes, he channels emotions directly through color, form, and texture, transcending traditional storytelling. The unresolved elements in his work, according to Zachary, maintain a dynamic quality that eschews the pursuit of perfection. 

Influenced by Symbolists and Kandinsky, he believes in the direct impact of color on emotions. Craig, whose journey is characterized by an ongoing exploration of the history and the intricacies of painting as a craft, has dedicated significant effort to understanding the nature of paint and its application. His practice of hand-mixing pigments and understanding materials was cultivated during a three-year course in old master techniques under his mentor, Charlie Sheard. This approach significantly influences his artistic style, transforming it into a practice where materials play a pivotal role. 

Zachary Craig’s commitment to understanding materials is rooted in historical painting practices, particularly those of early Flemish artists like Roger Van Der Weyden and the Van Eyck brothers, whose technical fluency in glazing has left an indelible mark on Craig’s work. Influences from both Old Masters and modern movements converge in his work, creating a distinctive artistic identity. 

He draws inspiration from Symbolists, Impressionists, and 20th-century American Abstract Expressionists such as Mark Rothko, Helen Frankenthaler, and Clyfford Still. This broad spectrum of influences reflects Zachary’s comprehensive knowledge of art history, and provides a nuanced foundation for his exploration of color, emotion, and form. 

Upon completing his studies of Old Master techniques and after regular exhibitions in Australia, Craig sought to imbue his material knowledge with ‘Stimmung’ – a process that involves manifesting the internal Spiritual World into a tangible, physical form through painting. This transformative endeavor led him to travel extensively, from Toulouse to Amsterdam, studying masterpieces firsthand and absorbing inspiration. 

In 2017, the artist established a studio in Leipzig’s Baumwollspinnerei, immersing himself in Northern seasons and local history. A residency in Berlin with the GlogauAIR Artist in Residence program further expanded his artistic horizons. The exploration continued with visits to Greece, France, Turkey, Malta, and with exposure to Chinese art during a hosting with artist Hu Quin Wu in Beijing. 

Upon his return to Australia, Craig secured a scholarship for the NG Art Creative Residency in Provence, followed by artistic sojourns in Crete and Japan. His latest solo exhibitions include ‘Apotheke’ at Straitjacket Gallery, in 2023, and the upcoming exhibition ‘Soft Conversations’, in the spring of 2024.