In Conversation: Chris & Jason Pennings

CP: Pure chance really, after years of working hospitality jobs I was after something different. I had studied Fine Art and Design and always had a strong interest in photography. I wandered into the Fini showroom in 2001 and asked if there was any work available. After about 9 years the original owner wanted to retire and I wrangled a loan to purchase the business. Jason came on board in 2010 and we’ve been framing ever since. 

UT: People often suggest it’s a bad idea going into business with family, what’s it like working together as siblings?  

CP: At times the arguments can get quite heated but in a way that allows you to be honest and really get shit off your chest. There's really no one I could trust more at the end of the day. Our skill sets and personalities are so different, I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.  

UT: Is there something you’ve learned about one-other which surprised you? 

 CP: We have always been close despite a decent age gap. Even outside of work we have similar friendship circles and we will often travel with each other. Jason and his partner recently welcomed a baby girl. It will be great to watch him evolve and adapt as a person with the joys and challenges that fatherhood inevitably brings.

UT: We all have moments where things go awry—is there a time where failure turned into something great?  

CP: Mistakes have been made and we wouldn’t be where we are without them. Probably too many to list specifically. I’m not sure if it’s ignorance, luck or hard work and determination that allows you to get past the biggest ones. Most likely a combination of them all.  

UT: If your lives were a movie, what would be the soundtrack?  

CP: Ride the lightning on cassette. Yeah by Yello from Ferris Bueller’s Day off. A large spattering of the theme song from Benny Hill. In Da Club by Fifty. Every morning day and night in that order.  

UT: Favourite place you’ve travelled and what’s next on the list? 

CP: We spent time growing up in the Middle East and Southeast Asia so we moved around a lot as kids. We always try to get at least one or two good trips in a year. It’s difficult not to list a place like Tokyo for sheer inspiration. Anywhere with mountains and snow is always appealing and for me the dessert has always had a strong pull but sometimes you just want to read a shitty crime novel, sit by the pool and drink rum out of coconuts too.  

 UT: When you’re not working what’s something you love to do? 

 CP: Jason is pretty active so he needs to be doing something physical to burn off excess energy and keep a clear head. Prior to his daughter being born that often involved long hours on the bike. Currently based on baby hours those sessions have had to be condensed into laps in the pool. I keep active in a more subdued manner, usually on a yoga mat. I also play at staying creative making photographs or collage works whenever I get the chance. 

 UT: If you had to describe your work with a smell, what would it be? 

 CP: Turpentine and tears mixed in with sawdust.