RHEA CREADO & JASON LAWRENCE
Rhea Creado is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and TEDx speaker, based in Meanjin (Brisbane). Rhea has lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Sydney and Dubai – all of which have tremendously influenced her work as she reflects on her place as a person of colour within white-centred societies. Rhea’s work is focused on amplifying marginalised perspectives and voices. Jason Lawrence was born and raised in England, and in 2020, after travelling across Australia for some years, he decided to professionally train as a carpenter. Having spent years painting miniature figures, it wasn’t until 2021 that he decided to blend his crafts together to create unique furniture pieces. In 2021, Rhea and Jason began working on their dream of creating furniture for their home. Their furniture-making has since evolved into a greater artistic practice which encapsulates sculptural elements as a means of commenting and evoking thought on issues affecting marginalised communities.
A seat at the table
Historically, marginalised people – Indigenous individuals, women, people of colour, and others – have often been prevented from gaining a rightful seat at the table. If this resonates with your experience, we invite you to take a seat at this table. You are worthy of a seat at this table. Blending in with its natural environment, this artwork speaks to how marginalised peoples are often hidden or ignored, their stories erased into the background. Here, we invite you to share your story.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?
This piece was informed by Rhea’s experiences as a Person of Colour and subsequently the experiences of marginalised peoples. Rhea came up with the initial concept and design of the sculpture, and together Rhea and Jason refined the overall design. The final design was a result of several revisions of shape, size, and functionality that occurred over many weeks. In stages, Jason cut out the large pieces of timber needed to create the sculpture, while Rhea painted each piece. Together they both assembled what they could, while the remaining assembly of the sculpture was done on-site.
Where do you look for inspiration? What themes do you find most interesting?
Our work is informed by the experiences of marginalised communities, and inspired by the desire to amplify marginalised voices. We are most interested in the intersections of social change and art.
Instagram @rheacreadostudio
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 6th – 15th September.