An interview with Adelle, an artist who transforms old chairs into funky sculptures.

Garden Chair, 2006.

How would you describe the chair sculptures you create?

I would describe my chairs as whimsical, fanciful, colourful and quirky.

What gave you that first spark of interest in following this line of artistic expression?

I saw a little wooden children’s chair on the side of the road which someone, to my disbelief, was throwing out! I saved it, took it home and there it sat for a few weeks. I knew I was going to do something with it, I just didn’t know what. Then it came to me. My new obsession was born.

Do you have formal training in art or crafts?

I have a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (Majoring in Visual Arts) and a Diploma of Education (Majoring in Art education).

How would you describe the style or theme of your works?

The themes are varied and can range from nature to fantasy, from classic to pop. The type of chair determines what kind of style or theme the chair will eventually take.

What have you been working on this week?

This week I am not currently working on a specific chair, but I am in the midst of making some papier mache fruits. They will be all sorts of weird colours, including a blue banana.

What are some of the materials you use in your sculptures?

I have used a whole range of materials including felt, fabric, papier mache, clay, tiles and matchsticks.

“Button-land”, 2006

Where do you look for inspiration for the designs of your sculptures?

As an art teacher I am constantly exposed to the different ideas and interpretations of the artists we study in class. I am always looking through art books, magazines, newspaper clippings and art blogs which are some of my greatest sources of inspiration. My daily life in general is also where I draw ideas from and probably the source that most of my best ideas are born from.

If you had to choose a favourite piece you have made what would it be?

It would probably be my button land chair which was actually the first chair I made. It’s my favourite for two reasons, firstly because it was the beginning of a new art form and something which I now love and secondly, because it’s the most colourful and whimsical of all my chairs. It’s a mini little world.

What was the most difficult piece you have created and why?

The most difficult piece I have created would be one of the felt seated chairs. They were difficult because I had to keep readjusting the felt I was making to reupholster the seat because it ended up being either to small or too thin. Getting the seats to then sit back in their frames with the felt layer was also a challenge.

What do you find most pleasing about your art?

Seeing something start out as a tiny idea and then blossom into something real that only ever existed in my head.

What else do you enjoy creating, other than your chairs?

Other than my chairs, I also love painting and clay sculpture.

Felted Lime chair, 2008

What kind of workspace do you have?

My workspace is a couple of metres square in my living room. If weather permits I also take work into my courtyard and work outdoors.

If you would change it, what would you do?

I would love an actual studio that I could dedicate to my art and craft. A room where I could leave all my paints and junk out without having to pack it all up every time I finish. A room that I could fill with junk and bits and pieces. A room that was just mine.

Artist interview continued on next page
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