As far as cool and creative careers go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Tina Fox is a designer of the Magic Circle light installation for Vivid Sydney 2014, a festival based on light, music and ideas that runs from May 23 to June 9, 2014.
That means Tina gets to see her hard work up in lights, literally, as a part of some of the stellar light shows and installations that will be on display during the festival. Here’s a snap shot into her bright career…
Who: Tina Fox, 38
Occupation: Artist & Designer
The job… “My work is very varied – it’s hard to predict when and where the next opportunity will present itself. I work on my private art practice as well as public art work for commissions, exhibitions and council funded community art programmes. I also run craft workshops and provide an interior design and art consultancy service.
The degree: “I studied architecture in London, and qualified there as an architect. I worked as an architect and interior designer for 10 years on jobs in the UK and Europe ranging from prisons to casinos.”
Tina creating street art.
Big break?
“As an architect, I have a great deal of practical experience, technical skill and professionalism, and I have used this as a way to persuade others to let me make my large scale sculptures. North Sydney Council in particular has been very supportive of me as well as other local artists.”
Festivals and creative projects you’ve worked on…
“I have had work selected for exhibition at the North Sydney Art Prize 2013 and Harbour Sculpture 2014. I have also recently completed an urban art project with North Sydney Council to create artwork for local traffic boxes.”
What’s your role at Vivid?
“I am creating a large 2meter square light sculpture for Circular Quay called ‘Magic Circle’ with giant crochet from cotton rope and LED rope light.”
Tina’s Magic Circle light display coming to life, one crochet hook at a time….
Job highlights?
“I love having such a variety of projects and the flexibility to work when and where I want, particularly as a wife and mother of two small children. I always hated being stuck in an office in front of a computer as an architect. My work is also very creative and I am always making something in one way or another. I think ‘creating’ is a basic need of mine and I feel unfulfilled when I’m not doing this.”
Lowlights?
“As a freelancer, I have to be conscious of thinking ahead and seeking out future projects and opportunities. This can be stressful and the income is equally erratic.
An artist impression of the Magical Circle, which will be on display at Vivid Sydney 2014.
Personality traits required?
“Confidence, professionalism, determination and a ‘can do’ attitude will take you a long way. Many people have great ideas but it’s the ability to make them into reality that is absolutely fundamental to being an artist and designer.”
Advice for up-and-coming artists?
“Don’t worry about what others are doing and be confident about your own work. Also, network, network, network! These days you can do it easily enough from your mobile phone on social media! You never know where the next opportunity will come from and the chances are it’s not going to come to you – you ‘re going to have to go to ‘it’. Always say yes and then figure out exactly how you’re going to do it afterwards!”
Vivid Sydney creative industries events, eclectic music performances and spectacular light displays that will transform Sydney’s harbour foreshore and surrounds. Check out the Harbour Lights and ferries and vessels decked out in LED lights. The new CBD precinct Martin Place will dazzle audiences with giant light installations, and new Vivid programming at Carriageworks, the Seymour Centre, Sydney University and The Basement will take the event and its music content, into more locations than ever before.
Other highlights include Lighting the Sails of the Sydney Opera House, the sandstone facades of Customs House and the MCA, and of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge light display. Visit www.vividsydney.com for the full program of events.
