MEET JO NORTON
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
The ocean. The beauty that lays beneath in all its forms. A reminder that its survival is in our hands .
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
I have walked, enjoyed and had conversations amongst the sculptures since year one…to be an artist who will now be apart of other peoples experiences at SWELL in its 20th year is really special.
You went to grab your favourite mug, but have found a Genie living inside of it – what are your three wishes?
1. Health
2. Love
3. Joy
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
My 4th great grandmother was a Cree Woman and I retain 6% indigenous North American in my DNA.
Do you think coriander tastes like soap?
No…I love coriander…
What is your favourite song to get the party started?
Rock lobster – B52s
What is your favourite thing to do after completing a major project?
Have a drink hahaha
What are some important lessons you’ve learnt from your art career?
Inspiration is everywhere.
What excites you about the future of art?
The possibilities and potential surrounding public art.
What is your favourite ‘dad joke’?
“Pull this”
What would we find you doing when you’re not making art?
Swimming and travelling…actually swimming everywhere I travel whilst seeking inspiration from my surroundings be it man made or natural.
Where were you born, where are you living now, and how does where you live affect your art?
I was born in Sydney by the Ocean and have lived by the ocean all my life. My childhood was spent at the beach, a place that we continue to go to as a family and find so much joy. Swimming in the ocean calms me and brings balance to my life. The changing shoreline is a constant inspiration in my life.
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.