Aaron Chapman QLD
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
Windows are the inspiration behind my sculpture this year. Weird things, windows. They provide a view of the outside world but create opportunities to enter our imaginations. I wanted to explore this interesting dichotomy between outside and inside.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
Wing it first, then develop a process or plan to realise it.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
Maybe a slow burn that I’ll look back on as a wild ride.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
I’ve always made art but never took it seriously until too many serious injuries made me reconsider a career as a professional rugby union player. In grieving this ending dream, I began writing more and more which led to formal educational pursuits in literature and the arts, which led to greater artistic pursuits in other mediums.
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
My studio.
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
Do Ho Suh is my hero.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
I don’t know.
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
I was lucky enough to be selected as a participant in Generate GC, a two-year program designed to develop new, site-specific work. I’m doing some creative development for a large-scale project and hope to show this publicly by the end of the year.
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
It means a lot. I’m exhibiting in a renowned sculpture festival I’ve grown up attending. I’ll be quite anxious during the exhibition wondering whether my work will survive the beachfront elements and will honestly be relieved (and sad) once it’s over. I always feel privileged to be able to say the things I want to say as an artist.
Is there anything you do to continue developing as an artist? Would you describe yourself as self-taught or formally educated in your artistic practice?
The only way to continue developing as an artist is to use both sides of the brain in equal measure. It’s good to have ideas, but they mean nothing if you don’t follow through and do it. I am formally educated in writing and literature, which is the foundation of my entire practice, but self-taught in everything else. There’s no rhyme or reason, but reading books is my greatest kindling for creativity.
If you were to go on a holiday, would you venture to the ocean or the mountains?
Mountains.
Gourmet restaurant or home cooked meal?
Gourmet restaurant.
How would you describe your taste in music?
A little bit of everything all of the time.
The Author
Courtney Stephens is an emerging creative event producer based in Tweed Heads. After a successful career as a Practice Manager, her passion for the creative arts industry has led her to study a Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Management. She hopes to balance her love for the arts, culture and nature with her strengths in communication and management to create community based events.