James Parrett NSW
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
Like all my work, M-thirtysix started with a notion – a feeling related to the physical form of a simple arc. It continues my desire to always examine the aesthetic potential of the circular form but it is also different to all of my previous work for many reasons. M-thirtysix is quite complicated and really investigates points of intersections and the positive and negative lines they can create.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
I always make a cardboard model of a new sculpture first. Imagine a 45 year old guy sitting there playing with cardboard and a hot glue gun, listening to 90’s alternative music. Haven’t grown up quite yet.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
Slow burn for sure. I feel it’s the best way to still be sculpting 20 plus years later.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
I thinks its a constant gradual evolution and the desire to get better and gain experience through making and advice of my peers. At the start of every work I always remind my self why I am doing what I am doing.
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
My new studio on my 5 acre property in northern NSW. Hot glue gun and cardboard ready to go (and burnt fingers) and some angsty 90’s music playing.
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
The British sculptor Richard Deacon.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
Large, fabricated, arcs.
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
Sculpture by the Sea Bondi 2021. I’m also working towards a new solo exhibition with Gould creative in Victoria for late 2022.
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
I’ve always enjoyed exhibiting at SWELL. The staff are fantastic and its a great way catch up with or meet new artists.
Is there anything you do to continue developing as an artist? Would you describe yourself as self-taught or formally educated in your practice?
Always look to hone my skills. Get better at something new in the fabrication process each time. Become better at writing applications or expressions of interest. Remember what I enjoy about being a sculptor and try and not be jaded. I think I’m a mixture of self taught and formally educated.
Do you have a must visit location for someone visiting the Gold Coast?
Apart from SWELL?
What book are you reading at the moment?
Funnily enough I’m reading my sister, Favel Parrett’s, 3rd published novel. There was still love for the second time.
What best describes your creative space? Organised or chaotic?
Chaotic but you have to clean sometimes.
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.