MEET RICHARD SCOTT
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
Since moving to the coast, I’ve long been obsessed with the big smiley golf ball beaming down from the Putt Putt Golf course in Mermaid. To me, it’s one of the last remaining icons of the Gold Coast still standing.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
As a Palmie resident, the idea of having my sculpture sticking out of the sand, down the road in Currumbin, means everything to me. And the fact that it’s the twentieth anniversary of the festival makes it all the more special.
Do you have a party trick or impressive icebreaker talent?
Neither impressive nor talented.
Does music impact your art? What kind of music do you create to?
Yup – cannot draw without it. But, no, you don’t want to hear what I listen to. My tastes aren’t always the most “family friendly”.
What is your favourite snack when working on big projects?
Beer.
What is the most important lesson you’ve ever learnt from a mentor?
“The first draft is always shit”.
Is there a running theme with what you create?
Definitely been inspired by the Gold Coast and its forgotten symbols. Working on a series of fake travel posters for the shadiest parts of the GC: such as Trashmore, Stabrador, Coolongutta and Dope Island.
If you could immediately learn any skill, which would you choose?
My (spray)can control needs a lot of work…
Does pop culture and modern media impact your work?
Yes, but the older pop culture stuff: vintage postcards, motel signage, newspaper advertising and cartoon mascots, especially.
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that you live by?
“Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.”
Which work of art that you have experienced has been the most influential to your practice?
Seeing Quentin Blake’s original sketches for “The Twits” and “The Witches” at a museum in London, easily.
Now that travel is becoming an option again, where is your next adventure destination?
I wanted to go to New Zealand with the fam but they booked their tickets without me.
The Author
Joss Smith is an emerging graphic designer based in Tweed Heads, loving everything visual and immersive. Her passion for the creative arts has led her to study a Bachelor of Visual Communication and Graphics. She hopes to balance her love for the arts, culture and nature with her strengths in communication and management to create wicked designs with wicked people.