We Asked Rae Saheli 12 Interesting Questions About Herself.
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2023?
Continuous is a series of large-scale aluminium spheres using my distinctive art making technique. My work is unique in that my process favour’s chance, randomness and curiously explores the intersection of aluminium and shot pellet, as the small protrusions warp the aluminium creating dynamic, beautiful textures, and patterns.
Do you have a party trick or impressive icebreaker talent?
sorry don’t have any
Who is an artist that inspires you to create?
Alexander McQueen, even though not a sculptor but rather a fashion designer, his work pushed the boundaries of fashion and sculptural story telling on the runway. After seeing his exhibition at the NGV last year, he has inspired me to go outside my comfort zone and keep pushing myself to explore new works. His exhibition gave me the passion to explore wearable art.
If you could choose any, what superpower would you want?
Not so much a super power but Wonder woman is amazing, immortal, super strength, and has the lasso of truth.
What is your easy-to-watch movie?
Cruella – watched a hundred times, never get tired of it
If you weren’t an artist, what would your profession be?
Still creative but Fashion designer
What’s one quote or saying that you live by?
never give up and keep going and always be true to yourself.
Do you have a favourite song you like to play when working on your art?
varied songs mainly 70s and 80s
SWELL is all about connecting people, art and place, how does your work help connect people, art and place?
My work has always created curiosity and community connection. I love standing back and listening to peoples theories on how the texture of my sculpture was created. When they find out, people start to share their memories and stories. The conversation and great discussions with the community is why I love exhibiting with SWELL.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Either professionally or socially?
When creating tell your own story.
If you could travel back in time and do one thing, when would it be and what would you do?
Go back to the early 2000s to have the opportunity to paint again with a close friend/mentor/father figure (he has passed away). I would give anything to have a day to paint with him again, sit near the fire talking art and life.
What is your favourite meal to cook when trying to impress someone?
Arancini balls and baklava
