Read

ArtKeeper Update: Norton Fredericks Checks In

December 29 2022

Share

ArtKeeper Update: Norton Fredericks Checks In

We’re back with another update from one of our ArtKeeper Artists.

Today we’re checking in with Norton Fredericks. Focusing on creating handmade wool felt and using botanical dyes extracted from Australian native plants, Norton aims to create art with as little environmental impact as possible.

Keep reading to check in with Norton.

#Meet Norton Fredericks

Your Challenge: Summarise the start of your art career in 10 words or less.

NF: Scared of plastic pollution so makes compostable art.

‘Extractions of Country’ is a key part of your artistic practice. Can you explain what this is? Was there a particular idea, moment or experience that led you to explore this within your practice?

NF: Extractions of Country to me means extracting the dye potential of Australian native plants and imbuing story in to textiles for people and myself to connect to place through the artworks. This has grown from creating a lot of site-specific work with a focus on native plants and living beside the Coomera River.

Image courtesy of the artist

Your project plans to explore Australian flora local the Gold Coast region, both conceptually and as physical art-making material. Is there a particular plant or species that you’re already deeply invested in exploring?

NF: I plan to explore a variety of Australian native plants that I already use in my arts practice in deeper ways during this residency. I will be looking further in to eucalyptus, macaranga, quandong, cotton tree and grevillea incorporating microscopy in to my work.

Which part of HOTA’s ArtKeeper program excites you the most?

NF: I am really enjoying working in a shared space and being able have deep conversations about art with other artists and arts workers at HOTA. I am loving being able to have a studio outside of home and have a place to come to work.

_{Image: City of Gold Coast}