Does art matter? Artists say, yes.

Does Art Matter?

…Is the question Benjamin Tupas, a producer for ABC Open posited to artists recently about the creation of art in Toowoomba in the article Art Matters. I was one of the artists, and I was quoted! The article was in reference to two events that were happening in Toowoomba over the weekend. Animating Spaces and Brief Encounters were the two events.

I really DO think that striking a balance is an important part of creating things. Especially things that people are paying for. Word would get out pretty quickly if exhibitions and shows became not worth paying for, whatever was the reason. And vice versa, word will spread that you are doing something different and good, and people will come out of interest, and perhaps be inspired.

Here are some more reasons from other artists too. Thank you to Ben Tupas and ABC Open for writing a little bit about us and what we do. Read the full article of Art Matters here.

brief encounters article ben tupas

Can you see me? (Bottom left)

“Why make art?

Brodie Greenhalgh, an Acting and Movement student says, “Stories must be told.

I create art because I don’t know how else to express myself and the world around me.”

Dancer Jacob Watton explains further, “Art hits on both a physical and spiritual level.

I don’t think I can name another thing that does two for the price of one no matter where you sit, backstage or in the audience.”

For graffiti artist Twolaks the process gives him purpose, “Art enriches our lives in many ways, when I’m not making art I begin to feel a bit on edge.”

Andrew MacDonald, a sculptor and furniture designer says it’s more of an obsession.

MacDonald and a group of artists are reclaiming a section of West Creek which runs through Toowoomba and are transforming it into a work of public art.

“We’re creating a space that is useable, and can be appreciated by the general community. Something that is almost like any other public space in a park in town…except that it is quirky, and noticeably different. Non-municipal.”

When creating public art, textile artist Kelli-Marie McEwan (sic) is mindful that artists need to bridge the gap between “ ‘esoteric and alienating’ and ‘goofy shit that insults the audience’s intelligence’.” ”


Whee! Real talk.

crocheted hand made dress

No goofy shit past this point.

About kellymarietheartist

I am an artist who, up until recently, was living and exhibiting within Toowoomba and the greater Granite Belt district. I have since packed up and left Australia, and am currently living and working in England. My work engages the craft involved in handmaking within a contemporary art context. I am drawn to the physicality of repetitive textile processes, and this is transcribed though the tactile quality of my forms. In particular, processes such as crochet, sewing and rug making serve as a proxy for growth within my personal environment. Many of my works imitate situations in nature, and they form organically as I create each individual piece, each addition both a continuation and re-enforcement of its predecessors. I enjoy using recycled materials for many of my works. Using crochet and other textile techniques to do this is an important part of my work as it celebrates a tradition of craft that has historically been relegated to 'women's work', with all the negative connotations that entails.
This entry was posted in Australia, Collaboration, Exhibitions, Experiments, Inspiration, Queensland, theGRID, Toowoomba, Works in progress and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

One Response to Does art matter? Artists say, yes.

  1. Pingback: Kelly-Marie and Matthew Collins performing in Brief Encounters (Toowoomba) | kellymariemcewan

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