James Parrett NSW – M-thirtysix
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
My Favourite aspect is two fold.
Firstly that moment in the studio playing with hot glue and cardboard, when and idea comes together.
And secondly realising that idea in large scale. planting the limitless idea into the realms of practical outdoor fabrication and not allowing that practicality to ruin the initial inspiration
Do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
I think stainless steel is my favourite. It does something that no other material can do.
Would you rather share an Uber with Barbara Hepworth or Cornelia Parker or Antony Gormley?
Share an Uber with Antony Gormley. On the way to dinner with Richard Deacon, Tony Cragg and Anish Kapoor.
If you could meet any artist (from the past or present) who would it be?
Richard Deacon.
What are you most excited for about SWELL?
Showing my work at any exhibition is always exciting. Meeting other sculptors and chatting with them, and also seeing others who I’ve known for a while is almost the most fun part of any sculpture prize.
When did you first realise you loved creating art?
I’ve always enjoyed making things but have never been perfect at it. I think during the last years of high school I realised that lack of perfection is an advantage so that’s when my practice took off and became my main outlet.
Do you like playing music while you work? If so what’s your favourite genre of music to listen to while you work?
Couldn’t imagine not listening to music while creating sculpture. I seem to be stuck in the music I have been listening to since high school up until late 30’s.
Angsty alternative
Jungle
80’s/early 90’s Hip hop
Are you a night owl or early bird?
My wife is a night owl so I often stay up too. But find myself falling asleep on the sofa a lot.
Do you find making art a therapeutic or chaotic process?
Therapeutically Chaotic.
What’s the WOW factor of your piece?
Hmmmmmm. What I always love about my own work is how different it looks from every angle and how it sometimes looks like it wants to fall over (but never has).
What do you want the public to see through your current artwork?
I want the public to see what they want to see. I don’t want them to be guided by my artist statement or my own ideas. As long as they are thinking about art, beauty and what they like then that’s the most important thing. I don’t even mind if they hate my work as long as that then makes them think about art and what it means to them. (but I’d rather they like it).
What does SWELL mean to you?
It means opportunity.
To explore my work in a new setting, Meet great people and work with great staff.
Shelby Nelson is confident but still growing as a university student. Studying Public Relations and Business she has found a strong passion for all things events, especially when it comes to the arts industry. Growing up on the Gold Coast she lives and breathes the beachside lifestyle and aims to help showcase people with amazing talents, giving the community not only a chance to appreciate them but have an amazing experience whilst doing so.
Follow her on Instagram @shelbynelson1