Quick Q and A with Daniel Worth
What is your name and where do you affiliate to?
My name is Daniel Worth and I'm originally from Australia. I have spent many years living and travelling around the world, but New Zealand is home for now.
What formal studies have you undertaken to get your practice to where it is at now?
I have completed a diploma in illustration at North Melbourne institute of Tafe. A post Grad in visual arts at Victorian College of Art. But I learnt how to carve letters into stone using a mallet and chisel in a short course at the Ministry of Stone in Lincoln, Uk. This taught me the fundamentals I use today.
What made you want to work with stone/what got you to stone?
I used to be a graffiti artist and pavement artist and I was tired of having my work last only a day or two. I wanted to create more enduring work that would last longer than I will, and stone has been used as the vessel to carry messages throughout time. Moving my work from impermanent towards a more permanent and enduring medium.
Where do you source your materials?
Wherever I can find them! I found a block of marble along the Thames in London when I was travelling. I couldn't leave it behind, so my bag was rather heavy for a while after that! Places that cut stone bench tops usually have a bin full of stone offcuts they don't want and they let you have them for free.
Do you hand carve or use tools and why do you do so?
I prefer using a mallet and chisel as opposed to an engraving tool. I like the feel of the tools in my hands and the percussive rhythm they create when working.
What are the core values of “Message to a stranger”?
That we can leave something behind in this impermanent world. That we impact people we may never meet, and that humor can act as a balm on the pain and difficulties we experience as humans.
What do you want the audience to leave with?
I want the people coming to the show to leave with something. Whether it is a free photo of where a stonework has been installed a stone rubbing of one of the artworks or a feeling of having contributed to the show by leaving a message on the wall for others to read,
Where to from here?
I would like to continue with this body of work into the future. Leaving messages in stone in random places as I travel and continue to live in different countries around the world.
Daniel Worth will be exhibiting Message to a stranger at Toi Pōneke from Saturday 18 August to Friday 13 August. Please join us as we welcome Daniel and his works to the Toi Pōneke community on Friday the 12 August at 5:30pm at 61 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro. See more about Message to a stranger here: Message to a stranger.