Below is an interview with the gorgeous Melynda von Wayward from Punk
Journey, a historical website documenting the history of the Melbourne Punk
scene from 1977-1987 www.punkjourney.com
This
November Melynda von Wayward will be putting on a great exhibition at
Brightspace gallery in St Kilda showcasing St Kilda as the epicentre of the
Melbourne Punk scene as well showcasing her contemporary Punk photos.
She
is currently raising money to help with the costs associated with her
exhibition.
You
can donate here http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/punk-journey
1.
Did
you expect your project to become as big as it did?
To
be honest when I first started the research for this project I had no idea that
I would be opening up a huge can of worms. There is so much history involved
and because I am being so concise – covering everything from the bands to art
to fanzines to fashion - the project has really taken on a life of its own. But
I think being concise is the way to approach a project lie this, hence the fact
that it can often take several years to complete because there is so much
detailed research involved. For me there are no rooms for mistakes in this
project. It is about getting it historically accurate the first time around. (There
is even a page on Sharpies)
2.
Did you need balls of steel to approach some of the founding punks for
interviews?
Ha
ha… yes and no. There were a few people who were a bit hesitant to talk to me
at first because I was an unknown entity and I can respect that. But once they
got to see that what I was doing was really fantastic and began to know me they
opened up a lot more. I have been really fortunate in that people have trusted
me with their rare and precious artefacts and I have never abused that trust.
That is very important in a project like this because word spreads fairly
quickly, and if I was dodgy or irresponsible I don’t think as many people would
allow me into their homes or let me take items away knowing that I would return
them.
2.
What
was one moment/interview that stands out in your mind that has made your
journey worthwhile so far?
Well
that is a hard one because I have met so many fantastic people and listened to
so many wonderful stories. For me what has really stood out are the friendships
that I have formed with people because of the interviews – people like Peter
McGrath, Mike Chrystal, Fred Negro, Kate Buck, Rusty, Jack Feedback, Simon
Grounds, Alan Bamford, Rick Ferrara – people that have given me more help than
I could have ever imagined.
4.
For every creative person, there are generally ten people that like to
criticise a creative project. How do you cope?
Well
like you say there are always going to be a few naysayers amongst the myriad of
people who think I am doing a great job and that is why accuracy is crucial so
that I can minimize any criticism of my project. While I do find myself getting
a bit upset when people knock me, I find resolve in the huge amount of positive
feedback I have received from so many people who have seen my website and think
it’s great – and I’m not even finished it. If someone has an issue with me I
try to resolve it with them if possible and if that doesn’t work then I have to
just ignore them and keep doing what I need to do. Having an agony Aunt or
Uncle helps too.
5.
Can you tell us a bit about your exhibition?
It
will consist of the following components:
•
A retrospective exhibition of archival Punk photos and artefacts from 1977-1987
as well as a selection of my Punk photos from 2004-2007
•
A stunning audiovisual show featuring rare, archival Punk footage.
•
‘The Safety Pin Awards’: six sculptures handmade by visual artist David Waters will
be presented to six individuals that have made a substantial contribution to the
Melbourne Punk Scene.
•
Six bands from the original Melbourne Punk Scene will play afterwards at the
Prince
of Wales Hotel including The Chosen Few, La Femme, Ears, Primitive Calculators,
End Result and Vicious Circle. Several of these bands will reform especially
for this event
•
200 limited edition posters will be specially designed and given away at the exhibition
opening.
Plus
there will be loads of special Events over the 2 weeks that the exhibition is
on including:
•
A book launch - 'Punk a Photographic Journey: 2004-2007'
•
A special film screenings of Dogs in Space and We're Living on Dog Food by
Richard Lowenstein, as well more special footage to be announced
•
A floor talk by Curator Janine Barrand
•
A Punk oriented St Kilda Music Walking Tour with special guests
•
A 'Little Bands' night performed by original members of the Little Bands scene
•
A DIY Punk fashion making workshop with Jenny Bannister
•
And to top it all off a fun Punk forum with a Panel of local Punks as well as a
special guest from the USA
