Trebor (Rob Stephenson) QLD
What was the inspiration behind the piece that is a part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2021?
The main inspiration came from the concept/idea of the Mobius loop, which is made with a 180 degree twist – a little bit of ‘give’ – of 90 degrees from each side, which brings the two sides of the loop together to form one continuous side. The idea grew out of the personal journey with me and my life-partner, from when we met and through a few conflicts, where we discovered when each of us was willing to give a little, we eventually arrived at a harmonious and timeless togetherness. The same holds true for the world as a whole.
Do you follow a process or plan for each new piece or do you ‘wing it’?
I usually have an idea in my head, and a rough plan, but then I wing it in the production of the piece, and experiment with the idea and the materials to discover how they can best come together in the end result.
Would you describe your artistic journey as a slow burn or a wild ride?
I am on and, have always been on, a wild ride, with a plethora of ideas popping into my head all the time. It’s hard to keep up with myself sometimes. For me, it’s often a matter of which idea expands and defines itself the fastest which determines what I eventually produce.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how you became the artist that you are today?
I have always been a scribbler – ask my parents, if the walls could talk… LOL – and throughout my life I have remained a creator of art, advertising, inventions and ‘things’. My training as a visual communicator and photographer at Wellington Polytechnic in the early/mid 1980s was the foundation of my artistic and creative education. Then the advertising chapter of my life has influenced my creative thinking profoundly. It has enabled me to very quickly explore many representations and permutations on a single idea. It also taught me to simplify things to a core communication.
Describe your ideal environment where your creative juices flow?
The world. Anywhere and everywhere I go I am inspired to create. Peace and quiet helps though. And of course, there’s always a new idea at the bottom of a bottle of red wine :-).
Is there an artist or body of work that you would consider your muse?
Originally it was Salvador Dali. I love surrealism. Now I find myself in awe of many other artists and disciplines. So no current muses.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe your artistic style, what would they be?
Witty, exploratory, provocative.
Beyond SWELL 2021, is there a forthcoming project you are most excited about?
I have many ideas as I mentioned, but none have a home as yet. I am currently exploring a body of work using aluminium and resin. Also a photographic series called ‘I see faces’. Among others….
What does exhibiting in SWELL 2021 mean to you?
It is such a privilege to be a part of this amazing event. For me it is the first step on a very exciting journey. ‘My New Artistic Chapter’. I can’t thank you enough SWELL Sculpture Festival.
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 am continually trying new mediums. Be they 2D or 3D based. I am continually observing too. This is where inspiration and thought provoking ideas come to me. Although I have been formally educated in the graphics disciplines, I am largely self taught in sculpture, newer mediums and in the digital space.
What food would you consider your guilty pleasure?
I see what you’re doing here… you’re looking for some dinner ideas, aren’t you?! LOL. I don’t know that I have a ‘guilty pleasure’ when it comes to food. 🙂 I eat anything and enjoy it all. Although I can’t go past a home made self-saucing chocolate pudding with lashings of fresh cream.
What skill or talent have you always wished you could master?
Golf! Damn!
No. Sorry… That would be, guitar. I do play a little guitar (no not a ukulele) I just don’t play that often 🙂 LOL I have dabbled a little, but would love to be able to play anything, any time.
If you possessed a superpower, what would it be?
I do.. Creative Problem Solving. No. Seriously. I always seem to find a creative solution to ANY issue or circumstance. That IS my superpower.
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.