Frederick Beel QLD
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
I found myself being moved and saddened by the shear amount of clear felling taking place, in and around SE Queensland for residential development. I felt we had to be smarter in the way we use the land, I’m hoping my piece may convey another way.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
Currently I am in a ‘purple patch’ and my mind and imagination is in over-drive, the ideas just keep coming. Some ideas have been percolating in my head for many years, others seem to come from nowhere. Generally, once I have an idea I’ll sketch it out and constantly tweak it. Having said that, I can quite easily ‘wing it’ if needs must.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
A very slow burn. As a youngster I was always a fairly good drawer/sketcher. I was raised in a very practical, hard working family type environment, not too many creative types in my little orbit. It was only when I was in my 50’s that I met some nurturing creatives who helped me along. Now I’m retired, let the wild ride begin!
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
I have a trade in metal work and I’d often make the odd little trinket or nick-nack. This coupled with being a bit of a problem solver and inventive type helped with those first steps. I met a fantastic artistic, mentor lady friend who turned those steps into strides. Thank you Kathy Donnelly.
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
Anywhere, anytime.. more often than not I’ll be having a little day dream, things seem to pop up.
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
I’m drawn to several artists: Alberto Giacometti, Robert Klippel, Alexander Calder and Wassily Kandinsky would be amongst my all time favourites. Calder may be my muse, as I love kinetic works.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
Free spirited rat-bag. That’s four words, I’m also a non conformist!
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
My involvement with Sculptors Queensland is proving to be very satisfying. We have a large committee with lots of new faces, there’s a huge amount of positive energy. That, and making the next thing.
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
A chance to showcase sculpture, but more importantly to meet new and like minded people. I am attending a lot of art related panel discussions, my mind and imagination demands more in-put.
Is there anything you do to continue developing as an artist? Would you describe yourself as self-taught or formally educated in your practice?
The practical side of my metal art would be the formal training I took as an apprentice. Beyond that, it would be a combination of self-taught and formal as I attended workshops, took up mentoring opportunities and continued to play and experiment.
If you were to go on a holiday, would you venture to the ocean or the mountains?
Diving on mountains under the ocean, which I’ve done.
Gourmet restaurant or home-cooked meal?
Enjoy both.
How would you describe your taste in music?
Eclectic.
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.