Five Minutes With Samantha Mitchell-Fin

What makes you tick artistically? Colour, light, geometry, rainbows, innovation with light – mixing up materials that 'shouldn't' be mixed but figuring out ways that they can. Crazy concepts and ideas that can somehow be turned into works through trial and error.

If you could live in any art decade in history, when would it be? Probably the '60s/'70s. Most of the artists that I admire were working during this time. Politics, social issues, fashion (?) - it was an interesting time etc, but really the most enticing thing for me about this time in history is what was happening in art. As film became more and more concerned about the material elements of filmmaking and the act of viewing and less about narrative (thanks to the filmmakers of the historical avant-garde), artists that explored projected and sculptural light, came into prominence. The Fluxus artists appeared, humble light materials transformed into art pieces rather than mere utilitarian objects. Artists became more multidisciplinary, breaking free of the constraints of 'their medium', inspired by ideas that could be explored through experimentation and technology.

Who is your favourite artist? Tough one! If I really had to choose, it would be impossible to divide my equal love for Dan Flavin and James Turrell. Light art royalty really. Dan Flavin for his innovation and often playful approach to colour in space, how light 'performs'. James Turrell for how he deals with the physical ways in which we experience light. Both of huge inspiration to me and I am sure 99.99% of all light artists!

If you weren't an artist what would you be doing? Travelling the world, living like a gypsy. Only if I could take my cat though.

What are you looking forward to this Art Month? There is so much to look forward to! The Sydney precinct parties for sure - especially the Surry Hills and Chippendale ones. I am looking forward to a whole month of art love. The talks, the tours, the exhibitions – it's truly a time when the Sydney art world shines. It's an absolute thrill and privilege to be a part of it.