Ash Keating uses paint-filled fire extinguishers to create his giant works.Credit: Dan Preston
MY ONE DREAM DESTINATION IS STILL …
Nusa Lembongan, Bali – for the people themselves and the daily offerings connected to Balinese Hinduism. I love the relaxed atmosphere, fresh juices, grilled snapper, visiting the seaweed farms and the banana pancakes at a warung on the beach. There are no cars on the island, so zipping around on a scooter in the fresh breeze is beautiful. It's a deeply spiritual and quiet place. I first went in the mid-90s as a teenager with my family. I found a peace there that still resonates.
WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER I'M DREAMING OF VISITING …
Nusa Lembongan, Bali. "I love the relaxed atmosphere."Credit: iStock
Japan. I have been twice before, and know there will be many more visits in this lifetime. Though my previous trips have mainly centred around big cities, I'd love to go deeper into Japan's nature. As an artist, can you believe I've been twice and not yet visited Naoshima and Teshima? The art islands are number one on my list, and I hear the Teshima Art Museum is breath taking.
MY DREAM TRAVEL BUBBLE DESTINATION IS …
Fiji. I have never visited, but swimming with turtles in paradise seems like a perfect escape right now.
MY DREAM DOMESTIC DESTINATION IS …
Australia's north west, the regions of the Kimberley, Broome, Dampier Peninsula and the Pilbara. I am yet to really travel outside of the capital cities of WA and NT, and what better time to connect with country and our First Nations history? While travelling overseas is pretty much off the table, the experience of seeing what I have only witnessed on a screen sounds thrilling. In fact, my dream is to travel there and not return to Melbourne for at least six months.
MY DREAM DOMESTIC TRIP SO FAR HAS BEEN ...
I was lucky enough to make a series of paintings of Cradle Mountain for Dark Mofo in 2016 and I stayed up there for a few weeks as well as travelling all around the ancient country and beautiful landscapes of Tasmania.
Ash Keating's large outdoor murals, created with paint-filled fire extinguishers, can be found across Melbourne. An exhibition of new works, Duality > Fall, is on at Linden New Art, St Kilda, Victoria till May 16. See lindenarts.org
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.