Who is Gavin John?
Traveller, photographer, author, hack guitarist, appreciator of life and a purveyor of terrible jokes.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Everything I presently do and for the last couple of decades is aligned with the resources at my disposal. I do what I want most of the time and have been lucky with always finding work when I needed it, and when I stopped working for other people and became my own boss I have never looked back.
I still have huge plans I am determined to realise so if I could, I would invent a time machine or tear a wormhole in the fabric of space time, venture back two decades and make the switch to full time exploration and documentary photography far earlier than I did.
Who inspires you and why?
People who volunteer and give back to communities. I am particularly in awe of the nurses and doctors who head overseas to hostile environments to provide medical aid in disaster and war zones.
Anyone that gives up the creature comforts of home to head overseas and help those in need inspire me. And I love those hounds that hop on a plane to help find people buried after earthquakes. I was born in the year of the dog and would like to return as one, help rescue people and enjoy the treats.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
The creatures need our help most, because of us. I am hoping later in life to find ways to make a significant contribution to rewilding and species conservation. I would like to dedicate my skills, time and resources to animals and the preserves they reside in.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Himalayas, I have been fortunate enough to travel across that region four times taking in Nepal, India and Tibet. The Pakistan Karakoram is next on my list. There is something beautifully exotic about the high zones with their majestic landscapes, wildlife and diverse human cultures.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Melbourne so would encourage visitors to accompany me to the National Gallery of Victoria. I imagine many people do not know that visiting the majority of what is on display, in both of the institution’s locations, may be enjoyed for free.
What are you currently reading?
Well of course I cannot put down my latest book Australian Theatres and Cinemas, but like many people I have several books on the go. I recently ordered from overseas an anthology of the early landscape photography of Vittorio Sella and Wilfred Thesiger, both pioneers in the field. I am also translating the German texts from the latest book, Planet Wüste, by my favourite geologist turned adventure photographer Michael Martin.
For entertainment, I am slowly catching up on the Viz Comic annuals my Sister-in-Law collects for me in London, which I grab in bulk every few years when visiting home. Also, I have just commenced rereading Big Bang by Simon Singh – the most educational book I have ever read, well, except for my previous book on Historic Pubs, of course!
What are you currently listening to?
Ludwig Göransson’s score to The Odyssey is superb and similar to work by Hildur Guðnadóttir and Jóhann Jóhannsson, dissonant and dynamic music which I find help me create, as I mostly play music sans lyrics when writing.
Presently, while working on photographs, I am enjoying getting familiar with new the albums from Fruit Bats and Fink, plus I have Paul Dempsey’s fine Shotgun Karaoke cover albums back on high rotation. When out walking and working with the camera my regular go to is the latest BBC Crowd Science or BBC Discovery podcasts.
Happiness is?
Besides spent time with my partner, family and friends, or watching yet another injury depleted Collingwood backs against the wall interstate win, for me, it is seeing my latest book on the shelves. Nothing beats book launch month. It is such a rewarding experience to watch two year’s work come to fruition, especially when you witness people grabbing it off the shelves and flicking through it.
What does the future hold for you?
Lots of pizza, curry and red wine, which is my lifelong ‘biohacking’ routine. Plus, I currently have half a dozen book projects I am contracted to deliver for my publisher, which will require extensive travel around our great country. So, bring it on.
Gavin is the Author and Photographer of Australian Theatres & Cinemas – which is published by Woodslane Press and available from all great book sellers. For more information about Gavin, visit: www.gavinjohnphotography.com for details.
Image: Gavin John at work in the State Theatre, Sydney – courtesy of Gavin John Photography