Russell Solomon QLD
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
As an innocent, ignorant child I didn’t understand or like the concept of borders, I thought we should be allowed to travel wherever we chose. Delimitations have been around since the beginnings of life on Earth, such as the Lions Pride having Territories. Indigenous peoples have set out deliminated, No mans lands across the Globe. “Delimitation“ is an Installation representing the values both positive and negative of our recent border closures, keeping ‘Us’ safe while Dividing Families and Communities. The High Visibility Plastic Road traffic barriers have been used to Deliminate the QLD/NSW border closures recently.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
This is my partner, Blair Garland and my first major collaboration and as such it has come about through an organic process of discussion. My own practice is ideas based, but I use a lot of recycled materials which can often suggest a particular form.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
Like a roller coaster, there’s the slow incline before the wild ride. This is a daily, weekly, yearly and now for me a decades long ride. With lots of slow inclines followed by a wild ride.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
As a child I was always drawing… my Mum says I always had a pencil in my hand. My Grandfather was a renowned Australian Landscape Painter and tutored me from my earliest memories. I have always been a maker, an ideas person!
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
Life… When distractions and stresses are minimal. In my studio surrounded by amazing little collections of fun stuff, materials, toys and machines. Late in the night and early morning…
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
Sculptors, Drawers, Makers. Including Paul Klee, Alexander Calder, CG Swanson and Theo Jansen.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
Drawer in 3D. Walking a line. @RustyWireSculptures
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
As a child receiving tutelage from my Grandfather Artist Lance Solomon, I was introduced to “Twittering Machine “ by Paul Klee and wanted to reach into the Image to Crank the Handle. 2022 is the 100th year celebration of this image and I intend on giving the “Twittering Machine” a Voice on Twitter.
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
I feel extremely grateful and validated as a Sculptor for the opportunity to exhibit alongside peers and have such a forum to engage with the public in an international standard Environment. Recognised as one of the premier Sculpture Exhibitions in Australia, I feel that this is the forum for my Arts practice at this time of my career.
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?
I would describe myself as a self taught artist. However, I have always, from my earliest memories, been learning new skills and listening, looking at and reading about art, artists and craft practices. I learnt from my Mother to thread a sewing machine before I could ride a bike. My Grandfather Lance Solomon taught me how to see in 3D, the difference between a triangle and a cone.
I continue looking and learning, everyday.
If you were to go on a holiday, would you venture to the ocean or the mountains?
Both directions in Australia are as wonderous! Nature is such a huge part of me, all of us! I don’t think it’s as simple as forest or beach.
Gourmet restaurant or home cooked meal?
Gourmet restaurants are for inspiration and experience. Then come home and try replicating if not improving on the experience.
I do a heap of cooking, every day, as I love the creative expression and sharing, the giving of a meal.
How would you describe your taste in music?
Eclectic… Lisa Gerrard. Pink Floyd. U2. Tones n I. Midnight Oil. The Doors. John Denver. Nina Simone. Gang of Youths. Tenzin Chorgyal.
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.