Exclusive Interview with Fiona Roberts

Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you.

Get to know more about the fantastic world Fiona creates in the exclusive interview below.

How and why did you get into the art industry?

I grew up in a household of creative people so there was a reasonable chance that I would go down this path, and I was supported in my choices. My mum is an amazing painter, my dad is a mathematician (yes, that is very creative) and my sister Joanna Roberts is a brilliant designer and artist.

Where did you study? 

I studied at the Adelaide Central School of Art (ACSA), Adelaide, Australia.

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

What do you love about being an artist?

I like the problem solving, coming up with new ideas, experimenting with new materials and seeing raw materials transform and come to life.

How would you describe your style? 

My style is generally fleshy, hairy and awkwardly pink.

Do you have a signature touch in your work? 

I design and display a lot of my work to appear familiar but as the viewer gets closer it reveals a different and unexpected identity.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Travelling has been important to me. Several pieces were conceived during trips to Europe in winter.

At a personal level, my grandmother died a few years ago, and whilst we were sorting out her belongings I found a rather strange large knife in a kitchen drawer. On the handle it said ‘Morbid Anatomy 1942’. It was an autopsy knife which had belonged to my grandfather who was a pathologist. This inspired me to explore and play with the idea of the unexpected in relation to the body and home.

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

See more human body inspired works HERE!

What are some of your most popular works? I would say one of the most popular works would be the ‘Scopophilia’ chair (the red chair with eyeballs).

Tell us a bit about some of your works and what you love about them.

I love the reaction my work gets from people. In my most recent exhibition ‘Intimate Vestiges’ people seemed to like the more subtle works that had elements they could discover as they got closer.

Several viewers were so eager to see what was on the other side of the ‘The Dark Window’ that they bumped their heads trying to peer through, leaving their forehead prints behind.  Other viewers, more familiar with the gallery, were questioning the existence of a window in that location and doubting their memories of the space.

When viewers first entered the exhibition they saw ‘The Wallpaper’ which, from a distance looks like typical old-fashioned decorative wallpaper, but as they got closer they discovered that it was constructed entirely out of an assortment of body textures like belly buttons, hairy nipples, eyes and mouths. There were a few gasps in the crowd as realisation set in, and then people were pointing out and debating over what some of the more ambiguous body textures were.

The ‘Passion Pillows’ on the bed was so subtle that some, if not most, people didn’t see it at first or until someone pointed it out.  It was quite amusing to watch and hear about people’s experiences. It makes it all worthwhile.

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

What is your philosophy in art and life? 

An artwork has to have something to say if it’s going to be worth making it.

What are your art dreams/goals?

I would love to show more of my work outside of Australia.

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

"Fiona Roberts in an artist we appreciate for her level of creativity.We would like to know more about the artist, her inspirations, her world, so we share it with you."

Describe yourself in three words.

I look normal.

Discover more about Fiona works HERE!