Pam Walpole & Yanni Van Zijl (Art forARTsake QLD – Vortex
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
The chance to bring art to the people – to surprise – comment and delight onlookers.
Do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
We strive to use recycled material. So much is sent to land fill and the materials stretches our imagination to create something wonderful.
Would you rather share an Uber with Barbara Hepworth or Cornelia Parker or Antony Gormley?
All three. They have all stepped outside the square with their sculptures – created controversy but captured the peoples attention.
If you could meet any artist (from the past or present) who would it be?
Andy Goldsworthy – (we HAVE met him) – Chiharu Shiota – Isamu Noguchi among many others.
What are you most excited for about SWELL?
The chance to create a piece unhindered by size restrictions in a beautiful inspiring carefree place where people come to enjoy and be free.
A world without art would be…
Beige!
If you could pick a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to describe your style what would it be?
Cinzano with a twist of lemon.
Beach goer or city slicker or outback lover?
Beach of course but the outback too with its wide open spaces.
Do you find making art a therapeutic or chaotic process?
Both! It’s satisfying creating pieces and seeing it all develop but chaotic on the technical side to make sure it doesn’t topple.
Where/how were you inspired to create your SWELL 2020 piece?
We want to point out the amount of plastic that has created massive gyres in our oceans – vortexs of floating plastic – a toxic soup which is a danger to our marine life…all because of irresponsible discarded garbage.
What do you want the public to see through your current artwork?
We aim to make it fun. An interactive piece to make the public question and reflect upon the message it stands for.
Was the location of SWELL a contributing factor towards the inspiration of your piece?
The beach is an ideal spot to display large sculptures with room to move – space to reflect – the perfect background away from hustle and bustle.
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