Shane Waltener artist interviewed
In the studio: Shane Waltener, artist
‘You will make something nice if you use gold, but that’s not a big challenge’
Walking into Shane Waltener’s studio there is a particular aroma, sweet and fruity and not unpleasant. We try to track down its source.
Is it the row of pollarded trees, waiting to be transformed? In fact, it turns out to be the rolls of jute Waltener has been using to make his large site-specific works, most recently in the grounds of Nottingham Castle where it is intricately woven through the trees.
The installation has not been without problems. “There is a clash between the pathways I am creating and the squirrel highways”, says Waltener, undismayed. “Fragility is really important; it makes it precious and adds value. It is just a piece of throw-away string and so if it doesn’t last it becomes even better. If they are there forever, people take them for granted.”
