7×12 | 2022 | SERIES 3 | KARL DE WAAL

/ / Meet the Artists 2022

MEET KARL DE WAAL

What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?

The isolation and sense of hopelessness during covid and how hope reigns supreme.

What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?

A chance to get my ideas visualised and realised and exhibited and to be seen by many. The chance to enjoy some time in the sunshine on the beach with like minded souls.

You went to grab your favourite mug, but have found a Genie living inside of it – what are your three wishes?

1. A contented and safe life for my children.

2. To find a good sized nugget of gold.

3. Mum has a graceful death.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

I was in jail in Denmark for vagrancy back in 85.

Do you think coriander tastes like soap?

No.

What is your favourite song to get the party started?

Walk this Way

What is your favourite thing to do after completing a major project?

Have a cold beer.

What are some important lessons you’ve learnt from your art career?

If you’re going to make large sculptures make sure you have somewhere to store them at no cost. An art practice provides a fascinating, satisfying and rewarding life. If only it was as financially rewarding. 

What excites you about the future of art?

To be honest it depresses me. Conservative forces silencing art of dissent. 

What is your favourite ‘dad joke’?

Q: What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

A: Half a worm.

What would we find you doing when you’re not making art?

Working for the man.

Where were you born, where are you living now, and how does where you live affect your art?

Born in Sydney. Now in Brisbane.

Doesn’t affect it at all….I think

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. 

Follow her on Instagram @joss.joss.joss