Going full circle: Isaac introducing kids to the art of screen printing in one of his workshops.
Of course, you know the answer to that question already.
When someone really wants to pursue something, they can be unstoppable.
Meet Isaac Huggins, respected artist and art professional currently working at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Isaac has curated multiple exhibitions, co-founded an artist-run initiative called Holmes Studio, and worked across institutions like AGWA and PICA as an exhibition installation and lighting technician.
He's also run arts workshops for kids and adults, participated in major exhibitions across WA, and recently became a Learning & Access Associate at PICA, assisting with educational programs.
"My background in both trades and visual art has allowed me to bridge gaps between disciplines, and I hope to keep building spaces, physical and conceptual, where diverse artistic practices can thrive," Isaac says.
"I'm currently developing new ideas and I’m in the early stages of planning for my first solo exhibition — watch this space!"
Isaac Huggins working on a screen printing project.
It starts with a t-shirt
Let's back things up a few years.
Isaac grew up in Perth and was drawn to creativity from a young age and hugely inspired by his grandfather who was an artist.
"I loved drawing, building things, and experimenting with materials," he says.
"I began making my own t-shirt designs using stencils at around age 14-15, which I learnt how to do by watching friends doing the same."
Isaac says he was also obsessed with graffiti and street art, which got him into some trouble over the years, but it taught him a lot about himself and instilled a passion for creating and getting his work out there, no matter what.
"My heroes were often graffiti artists, street artists and painters who blended technical skill with creative vision, though at the time I didn’t realise how closely aligned I was to that path."
The turning point
Isaac always had a keen interest in art, but, like many young creative people didn't really see it as a legitimate or sustainable career path.
He studied graphic design in 2013, thinking that was how he could make money by doing something creative, but it wasn’t for him, so he dropped out after one semester.
He then worked in construction and technical roles for 5 years — including as a cabling technician — before eventually being let go due to a few building contracts falling through.
"That moment became a turning point, and I decided to apply for university and commit to studying art," he says.
Visual Art was calling
Initially, Isaac wanted to study education and become an art teacher, but he decided to pursue visual art, his main interest instead.
He studied a Contemporary Arts degree at Edith Cowan University, now called a Bachelor of Visual Arts.
The course surprised him by how much emphasis was placed on critical thinking and professional practice alongside technical skill.
It wasn't just about making art — it was about contextualising it, presenting it, and engaging with broader cultural conversations
"That holistic approach to learning really shaped my confidence as a contemporary artist."
During his studies, Isaac actively sought out opportunities to be involved in the arts community.
"I joined the Printmaker's Association of Western Australia, where I'm now Vice-President, curated and exhibited my work in 'Analogue Memories & Digital Daydreams' at Paper Mountain.
"I was also invited by Ted Snell to curate HERENOW22 at Spectrum Project Space and was lucky enough to be selected as a finalist in numerous community art award exhibitions," says Isaac.
If that wasn't enough to keep him busy, Isaac also began teaching screen-printing workshops and volunteered wherever he could.
"It's been awesome to be able to share my passion for art with local communities, especially when guiding school groups through the making of their first t-shirt designs – it all has really come full-circle!"
You can follow Isaac here www.isaachuggins.com and @isaachugginsvisualart
