Phillip Darnton Kent UK – ANOMALY
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
I love building and creating. I love working through complications and problem solving.
Do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
I have always loved plywood but mirrors are what I am into at the moment, creating visual illusions of space and another aspect of viewer interaction.
Would you rather share an Uber with Barbara Hepworth or Cornelia Parker or Antony Gormley?
All three of these artists have greatly influence my work over the years. I have worked with Antony Gormley before and bumped into him several times since so I know we would have plenty to talk about on an Uber ride. Because Barbara Hepworth died many years back I think she would be the one I would like to have a conversation with the most.
If you could meet any artist (from the past or present) who would it be?
Louise Bourgeois.
What are you most excited for about SWELL?
The atmosphere, the buzz, meeting other artists and art lovers. I have some of the most compelling conversations with other artists and members of the public who often have far more interesting things to say about my work than I could ever think of.
A world without art would be…
Dysfunctional and boring, art is everywhere and in everything.
If you could pick a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to describe your style what would it be?
Squeezing a lemon in your eye, any drink.
Beach goer or city slicker or outback lover?
I never like to stray too far from the coastline, I feel sick if I am trapped in land for too long.
Do you find making art a therapeutic or chaotic process?
If the process is successful then the end result is beautifully therapeutic, however there is always chaos within any point of the work.
Where/how were you inspired to create your SWELL 2020 piece?
Cornelia Parker’s exhibition at the MCA Sydney late last year inspired me a lot. I wanted to create a complex hanging artwork like one of hers but strong enough to function outside exposed to the elements.
What do you want the public to see through your current artwork?
Reflected fragments of themselves.
Was the location of SWELL a contributing factor towards the inspiration of your piece?
Not this time, but in the future I would love to build something site specific.
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