MEET ROBERT GUENTHER
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
The seed for this sculpture grew from an idea of human forms all with their heads in the sand. It was negative, but how I was feeling. The crosses on the floor, the shopping trolley distance , and the awkward greetings. To me it felt like the great disconnect. Then a simple sign at a cafe changed the direction for the sculpture. Two human figures with the arrows pointing towards each other, and the caption, “don’t forget to connect.”
In an instant my sculpture changed. The heads came out of the sand. The bodies where connected both physically and spiritually through the heart. They were connected to the Universe and Mother Earth.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
It’s great when SWELL rolls in each year. It’s time to scale up. Great to see some familiar faces and be part of the SWELL community.
You went to grab your favourite mug, but have found a Genie living inside of it – what are your three wishes?
I enjoy coming up with the sculptural concept. However I wouldn’t say no to a Genie making it and delivering to the beach. Definitely could have used a Genie last year.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I have a 19 legged chair. It’s called arachnophobia.
Do you think coriander tastes like soap?
Love Coriander.
What is your favourite song to get the party started?
Anything from Leonard Cohen.
What is your favourite thing to do after completing a major project?
Thank my family for putting up with the mess. Usually they the sculptures are too big for my work space, and so are created in the driveway.
What are some important lessons you’ve learnt from your art career?
Do what is in your heart. I love a saying that goes,”My art may not like you either”!
What excites you about the future of art?
Challenging the narrative has never been more important.
What would we find you doing when you’re not making art?
In the same workspace, making my furniture.
Where were you born, where are you living now, and how does where you live affect your art?
Born in Cooma NSW, and living in Murwillumbah. Mt Warning is always conducive to inspiration.
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.