Joel Adler NSW – Viewfinder
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
I love having space where I can combine my creative and practical sides. For me, creating art is a blend of craziness and sensibility.
Do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
Material for me is only a means to an end. I start with an idea, usually some kind of function or form and then work backwards from there. I’m a big fan of soft metals like aluminium and copper simply because they are forgiving enough to leave human marks and scratches but they are still tough gritty metals after all.
Would you rather share an Uber with Barbara Hepworth or Cornelia Parker or Antony Gormley?
I saw Cornelia Parker’s exhibition here in Sydney a few months ago and I could not stop thinking about her way of thinking and doing things. I’ll have to lock her in hands down.
If you could meet any artist (from the past or present) who would it be?
I think a cup of tea with James Turrell would help my career tremendously.
What are you most excited for about SWELL?
I am excited to travel away from Sydney and bring my work to Currumbin. I’ve never been and from what I’ve heard/seen it’s meant to be spectacular.
Is there a creative process or method you go through to think of your next piece or do ideas strike you when you don’t expect it?
Sometimes I’ll be driving and I’ll have to pull over to sketch an idea in my notebook. Other times ideas need to be brewed over months and years until they have matured to something I don’t hate! One thing that I can say confidently is that I’ve never stopped having ideas, its more about choosing the right ones to invest time and energy into.
Are you most productive on a beautiful sunny day or rainy gloomy day?
I’d say more creative on beautiful days and more productive on rainy days. For me, being creative requires a relaxed but positive mood. Clouds make that harder to foster. There is something nice about sitting in the studio while it’s storming outside.
Beach goer or city slicker or outback lover?
Outback for sure. I love the smell and cool air of the inner south coast of NSW.
Is there something you aim to achieve during your career as an artist?
I want to create experiences that create lasting sense of surprise in the audience. There are some works by other artists that I saw years ago and still think about them every few days. They remind me to stay excited about life and the endless potential we have as humans. I’d love for my work to have even a portion of that impact on others.
Red, blue or yellow?
Red. Rusty rusty red.
How many SWELL Sculpture Festivals have you been too?
This will be my first! I’m very excited, to say the least!
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