MEET RUSSELL SOLOMON
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
As a child I was introduced to the Paul Klee Artwork “the Twittering Machine” I was bursting to reach into the image, crank the handle and see the machine wyrr into motion.
As an adult, using Wire as a three dimensional drawing medium I decided to recreate Klee’s image in real life, I brought it to life.
This year “the Twittering” turns 100 so I have decided to give the Machine a voice on Twitter.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
Being my third time exhibiting, I am seriously chuffed to be a part of this momentous anniversary.
Do you have a party trick or impressive icebreaker talent?
I can draw anything around a point in space and time, mostly using one single continuous length of Wire.
Does music impact your art? What kind of music do you create to?
I have a broad and varied love of music.
I love listening to informative, educational content while creating, but sometimes just work in relative silence being grounded in the space and time I am in the World…
What is your favourite snack when working on big projects?
KimChi pancakes. Cheese and crackers and sometimes wine.
What is the most important lesson you’ve ever learnt from a mentor?
Play!
Is there a running theme with what you create?
I am deeply concerned with the natural world, our place in it and our impact on it. I do address social issues too.
If you could immediately learn any skill, which would you choose?
Welding.
Does pop culture and modern media impact your work?
Modern media influences almost every aspect of our daily lives, so it comes into my practice. Pop Culture is something that I use as reference to comment on the Human state.
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that you live by?
All things are connected.
Which work of art that you have experienced has been the most influential to your practice?
Not one particular Artwork ( except for this year ) has influenced my practice but Alexander Calder was a great influence on my work.
My Grandfather (Lance Solomon) was a huge influence on my early childhood and my Love of drawing, particularly the bush and it’s inhabitants. It was he who introduced me to Paul Klee’s artwork.
Now that travel is becoming an option again, where is your next adventure destination?
I no longer travel far and wide, the carbon footprint is of particular concern for me.
I enjoy catching up with Friends, so many small trips are more my pleasure.
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.