A story of Engagement

April 11, 1952 to April 23, 2011

ARTIST, musician, collector and teacher Greg Hind passed away on Saturday the 23rd April after a long illness.

Greg had lived in Tasmania for the past 30 years and during that time he made a significant contribution to cultural life of the state, especially here in Hobart.

The son of Charles (Chicka) and Joan Hind, Greg was born and spent his childhood on the northern beaches of Sydney. He attended Collaroy High School and then studied at the art school at East Sydney Tech in Darlinghurst, before coming to Tasmania in 1973.

Greg initially lived in Burnie where he taught at the art school. He moved to Hobart two years later, arriving when the Salamanca Arts Centre was still in its infancy. He secured studio space on the second floor and served as an elected member of the centre’s executive for the next nine years.

Without Greg the arts centre would have been a duller place. He had a strong desire to make Hobart more culturally vibrant and successfully used his knowledge and contacts from his Sydney days to regularly bring musicians and artists down here.

In 1990 Greg and his wife Kay and …..Bill…..? brought cafe society to Salamanca when they opened the Retro cafe which offered “coffee in a glass”, an essential ingredient of the bohemian lifestyle we were all looking for.

Greg’s passion for Tasmania and his indefatigable optimism was admired by all those who came in contact with him. His energy and drive kept those around him enthused about this sometimes undeserving place.

His muddle headed appearance and droll delivery belied a sharp wit and Friday nights in his studio were wonderful occasions. Many a Saturday began waking with aching ribs from the laughter the night before.

Greg’s painter’s circle consisted of Stephen Lees, Peter Gouldthorpe, Jock Young and I am sure they would agree that Greg’s passion contributed to a lot of the inspiration that is manifest in their paintings.

I have never met anyone here in Tasmania who loved the place more than he did.

Greg had a great gift for friendship. Through him passed countless social threads. Sometimes after spending time with him you would feel a sense that one had been reinvigorated and filled with fresh heart.

Greg is survived by his wife Kay and his daughter Ella.

James (Shuvus) Williamson