Clare Harris NSW
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
To help people find peace, happiness and a sense of freedom amongst the challenges of life, by looking to nature for wisdom.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
Usually I have a feeling, like a sense of something inside me that comes from a deeper place beyond thinking that I can’t express in words. I might do some sketches or explore materials that form sculptural sketches that lead into a final work, or maybe they just stay as sketches.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
Slow for sure. It is beyond me personally, it is from something greater than me.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
The amazing journey of being human.
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
Definitely in nature across all different terrains and environments. I just get blown away by the beauty and diversity, and the many moods of nature and how we are that. The micro macrocosm thing.
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
Not really anything specific.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
Diverse, landscape, curious.
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
I am happy for everyday and whatever it brings. I am just as curious about what lies ahead. It is wonderful when you don’t know, it’s exciting to see how life unfolds.
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
It is a wonderful experience for me. I have always loved public sculpture and bring art into public spaces. It gives soul to our communities, which is so desperately needed when people are lost in shopping malls.
Is there anything you do to continue developing as an artist? Would you describe yourself as self-taught or formally educated in your practice?
Formally educated with a lot of experimentation with different materials
If you were to go on a holiday, would you venture to the ocean or the mountains?
Maybe mountains because I live near the beach but I don’t like to be out of the water for too long.
Gourmet restaurant or home-cooked meal?
I like home cooking with fresh top quality ingredients.
How would you describe your taste in music?
Very diverse.
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.