Artist's statement

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and work, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and I pay my respect to Elders past, present and future. Through my art practice I explore nature through a prism of optimism and beauty. In a spirit of discovery and experimentation in my studio practice I create delicate, joyful artworks. I am endlessly excited by the process of transforming materials from solid to ethereal, for example perforating metal by hand until it is more air than metal or creating kinetic artworks from steel that drift on a breath.

To me the great challenge and delight of public work is adapting my delicate studio work to become large scale and enduring works. I am intimately involved in the process, collaborating with architects, designer and fabricators transforming the authentic, unique artwork created with my own hands through sophisticated, innovative fabrication processes without losing the ‘magic’ of the original work.

I strive to make artworks that are visually integrated with their site. I feel strongly that public sculpture should have a strong thematic relationship with the natural or cultural history of its setting. Aesthetically the artwork should feel that it belongs in the space, whilst also becoming a landmark feature.

Jade Oakley, Artist