MEET JAN CLEVERINGA
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
To elucidate recycling and waste.
To change the obligations that companies have towards our community regarding an earthly human sustainable future.
To create a win win process for industry and society moving forward.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
It means the world. I love the festival. It is hosted by great people. There is a great audience and community. There’s a real sense of belonging.
Do you think coriander tastes like soap?
One of my kids does. Haha. But not me. It depends on how it’s blended and used like most things. And, No, I don’t use coriander in the shower either.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I was a General Manager of two funeral businesses for a couple of years and my painting studio at that time was an old vacant mortuary.
Do you have any artist pet peeves? What are they?
Leaving new canvases to warp in a hot car.
You went to grab your favourite mug, but have found a Genie living inside of it – what are your three wishes?
- I wish love, peace and harmony on earth for all kind.
- I wish I had a car that wasn’t 21 years old and breaking down on me.
- I wish I had a weekend on a houseboat with my family and friends.
Are there any budding artists that you’re excited to see evolve?
I’d like to see where Ben Quilty can take Australian Art worldwide using his practice and continue to watch Lindy Lee continue her path forward. They are not the youngest artists though but I think all artist evolve at any stage.
What is the strangest food combo that you love?
I really don’t know but I’d like other people to suggest some to me. Maybe Gherkins and Olives in small amounts when I fossick through our empty fridge hungrily.
Editors note: Have a look at Phil Darnton’s answer if you’re after something wildly unhinged.
If you have one, what is your spirit animal?
I’d say a Lion or Tiger but in reality probably a little grasshopper. Who am I to say what my spirit animal is? I don’t know.
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that you live by?
You can always defend the truth even if you’re wrong.
What is your favourite snack when working on big projects?
Those cheese and bacon bread rolls (in a six bun lot) that you can scoff down without thinking about when your in a flurry or hurry or concentrating madly or sadly in your practice where you need sustenance, and forget because you’re in the moment, so your wife unbeknownst to you, purchased some rolls and threw them in your muesli bar emergency bag as a caring gesture of love and care.
Does music impact your art? What kind of music do you create to?
Music is a great part of my life. I’m always suggesting songs to others. Music drives me as much as visual art and philosophy and the act of creating.
My Spotify lists are not public but if I am to share any then it might go under my name somehow I guess. I’ve never bothered with my name. But I have tonnes of flavours. It’s something I might change soon if someone searches.
Currently my Spotify name is this: so345wlw0juh1xs2agoog13dx
I’m not kidding!
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.