KEITH CHIDZEY
Keith Chidzey is a multifaceted artist: sculptor, land artist, and painter, driven by the magnificence and splendour of creation. This energy manifests in various forms, highlighting environmental responsibility, and promoting social justice. Working primarily in fine Australian timber, bronze and fire exhibiting his work in sculpture and solo exhibitions in Australia and internationally. Chidzey has exhibited in the Australian section of the satellite eARTh Project for 350.org as a Lead Artist, placed third in the Video Art section of the XI Florence Biennale (Italy), and recently exhibited in the Jewish Art Salon (New York).
#showyourstripes
‘Stripes’ was created as a temporary installation for the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra as part of an action for the advocacy group Common Grace. As part of this project, hundreds of multicoloured scarves were knitted and presented to all Federal politicians. The colours of the scarves represented the visual data presented by Professor Ed Hawkins from the University of Reading, illustrating the increase in global temperature over the last century. The knitting needles were a central visual focus, highlighting the issues surrounding the emerging climate emergency.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?
My creative process could be described as a ‘series of conversations’.From initial concepts – whether as a result of detailed research, or sudden inspiration – there are conversations with clients, with trusted confidants … and the voices in my head.Conversations take place with the materials (largely fine timber in my practice) – this is the most satisfying and often most vocal part.And finally the fiddly and time-consuming discussions with detailing and finishing of a piece.When I have a good chat with a work – I know it will be a good one.
What role does location or environment play in your sculptures?
Many of my most successful works are either site-specific or person-specific.A place, the land, has deep meaning for me – I do begin to understand our Indigenous brothers and sisters’ concept of ‘country’! Through many residencies and a lot of sitting and dwelling in the land some lovely pieces have resulted.Whenever I create a commission, the best results have come from having deliberate conversations and getting to know the client and their subject.The more I understand the circumstances, the better the piece.
How do you feel when you see people interacting with your sculptures?
The feeling? The best sensation … fulfilment … deep satisfaction. All these descriptions, and more, apply when people ‘get’ my work. From commissions that hit the mark to people taking the time to engage fully with displayed pieces and seeing their enjoyment gives me great contentment and truly satisfies my soul.
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 6th – 15th September.