About Frederick Beel
I am a semi-retired fitter machinist, toolmaker, welder type person who has always been highly creative and inventive. My experience and skills allow me to work with many different materials, especially metal. This foundation coupled with my imagination has meant I have been successful in securing several large public art works and numerous awards.
For 6 years I was the Chairperson for the Hedland Arts Council (HArtz) in WA. Currently I am on the committee for Sculptures Qld where I edit and compile the monthly newsletter. Further to this I am a member of the Beaudesert and District Community Arts Project (BADCAP) as well as a member of Arts Connect on the Sunshine Coast. I have worked in PNG and Indonesia for over 14 years and a further 11 years in Pilbara of WA. I have always had a fascination with primitive cultures and their art. As the Chairperson for HArtz I’ve worked closely with the local indigenous artist, mainly the Martumilli and Spinifex hill mobs. I have been mentored by the fabulous Jon Tarry, participated in workshops with Mathew Hardy and Vlase Nikoleski and I am eager for more training and knowledge.
2022 SWELL ARTWORK – The Magnus Effect, Frederick Beel
The magnus effect became of interest to the artist during his experiments using steel spheres in his kinetic sculptural pieces. He had noticed that the spheres were relatively neutral, even under strong wind conditions and that they generally remained in a state of equilibrium. Spinning the sphere, or ball would cause the ball to travel through the air in an arc. The artist has tried to capture this effect and the science behind it with this piece.
Instagram: @ironmongrelfred
Facebook: @Fred Beel
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 9-18 September.