Stephen Newton QLD – Can you hear its tender frame, screaming from beneath the waves?
What’s your favourite aspect of being an artist?
As a sculptor I get to work in different locations with different people. My studio work is R & D and exhibition objects, my large scale public sculpture engages people, places and stories. I also collaborate with indigenous artists and communities to develop placemaking sculptures.
Do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
In my studio I use found and recycled wood and steel. My large scale public artwork is fabricated in stone. My working process is based in carving and reduction of form and inspired by time and change brought about by natural weathering.
Would you rather share an Uber with Barbara Hepworth or Cornelia Parker or Antony Gormley?
Depending if they were going where I was going. it would be nice to share an Uber with all three of these British ‘greats’.
If you could meet any artist (from the past or present) who would it be?
Louise Bourgeoise.
What are you most excited for about SWELL?
Installing my work and meeting people.
If you could go anywhere in the world to be inspired where would you go?
The Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Japan.
Do you like playing music while you work? If so what’s your favourite genre of music to listen to while you work?
I can’t hear the music because of the tools and PPE I wear. Also I don’t like to be spatially distracted, even aurally. When I listen to something it’s often post-rock ambient dark metal such as Red Sparowes, Oh Hiroshima or Explosions in the Sky.
Are you a night owl or early bird?
Early Bird, but if there’s a party on …
Do you find making art a therapeutic or chaotic process?
Therapeutic.
What’s the WOW factor of your piece?
The stark contrast between charred wood, white sand and the ocean. The concept is simple enough to convey an idea, which hopefully will resonate longer than being in the presence of the work.
Red, blue or yellow?
There is only black – the infinite spacial vastness of time and space.
(also I’m not a f* painter!)
What drew you to applying for SWELL?
I have a work to share and SWELL offers that opportunity. Also I am a past exhibitor.
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