ROXANNE GRANT
Roxanne Grant thrives on the challenge of creating a visual language for inspiring themes. With a variety of practical and creative skills across mediums, her driving force is the development of ideas and their relational value. Public interaction with her large but accessible works is a major motivator. Throughout her career, Grant has maintained a keen interest in ephemeral works. Many of her large projects have extended her practice, involving close collaboration with contractors and other artists.
Sweet Myrtle Time
The Gold Coast has a long association with the sweet myrtle flower. It grows wild in the Currumbin area and has been cultivated and cared for in many suburban gardens along the coast. Its beauty is often appreciated in the form of small white flowers that are so abundant and fragile that their individual beauty is often overlooked. We are often too preoccupied to take the time to notice. I have created this large sweet myrtle flower for people to enjoy its beauty on a grand scale.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?
My creative process is primarily based on my digestion of the theme or task. As a project based artist I research and develop an idea in small sketches and mind drawings. I try to bring to life the simplest way i can convey an idea. I then think of the type of materials i will need and the scale that the idea needs to achieve an affective outcome.
Where do you look for inspiration? What themes do you find most interesting?
I find everyday items inspirational, I like to highlight the beauty in the ordinary.I feel that the ability to touch, move or inspire (sometimes not always positively) is the best tool for me to follow artworks from idea to reality.
What role does location or environment play in your sculptures?
I am very interested in temporary artworks or ones that deteriorate back into the earth. Many of my sculptures are designed to be played on or touched.
How do you feel when you see people interacting with your sculptures?
Like most artists you make work to engage others.
Describe your dream project.
My dream project would be to be paid a modest sum all year to make work that i see fit!! You said “dream project” I would have access to a fantastic studio and the best team! Making art for me is always a communal experience and watching ideas become a reality is the best thing ever.
Website roxannegrantartist.com
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 6th – 15th September.