MEET MADI WHYTE
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
The paperclip is heavily symbolic of line and connection in its form. I wanted to create something that sat in the landscape without blocking it, the work explores the multifarious and undulating connection I share with the land – and how it behaves as a metaphor, material and teacher.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
It’s a massive opportunity to exhibit, this work was made to be exhibited last year but I was unable to due to covid lockdowns. The landscape on the beach is so iconic and I’m really excited to see the work installed.
Would you rather go into the past and meet your favourite artists or go into the future to see the future of art?
The future! I would love to see where Art is headed and what topics and themes are being explored. Also would selfishly want to see my own work in the future.
Are there any budding artists that you’re excited to see evolve?
I have a lot of creative friends that are really exciting to see what they continue to make, there are so many exciting emerging artists at the moment- I think covid really helped people work on their practices.
If you were a biscuit, which biscuit would you be?
Florentine maybe? Or a big bendy biscuit!
Did you have any favourite artists when you were growing up?
Del Katherine Barton, Sally Mann and Agnes Martin. They were the first artists whose works resonated with me, I love the framing and contemplation of the work and they all portray pain in such an amazing way.
Has your art practice changed over time?
Yes! I started out as a photographer and have used different mediums over time. I always used to worry that my photography and sculpture didn’t relate but they both use line, fold and cut.
If we ran into you at the pub, what drink should we offer to buy you?
Depends on the weather! Ginger beer or a Margarita
What is the trickiest part of being an artist?
All the different roles you have to do, one day you’re in a shed welding, the next you’re marketing for yourself, applying for shows ect.
What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a piece of artwork, you have created or experienced?
A giant paperclip!
Do you prefer to create for others or for yourself?
I like a mix, sometimes it’s refreshing to work for others!
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.