Marc Barold is an Australian based artist who’s utilising his 20 years of television and movie set production design to craft some of the country’s most unique and striking artworks.
Known for his dynamic large scale sculptural works, Marc’s artistic approach is influenced by patterns in the evolving world and is a unique style he likes to call ‘future nature’.
Marc’s professional and creative career started out on the set of Home and Away in the late 90’s to eventually working with major brands such as Swarovski, Disney, Cirque Du Soleil, MTV Australia, Mercedes Benz, Lucasfilm’ ‘Star Wars’ and Microsoft to name a few.
Can you tell us a bit about your history and background as an artist?
I began sculpting at age 13 and graduated in Sculpture from UNSW in 1997. Briefly after graduating, my career kick started after winning first prize in Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea for the under-30 section. I then studied Film Art Direction and Set Design at AFTRS, launching my international career in Production Design and Fabrication for major events, film, and TV, working with brands like Swarovski, Cirque Du Soleil, and Lucasfilm.
My work in Production Design has influenced my contemporary sculpture practice, allowing me to innovate with cutting-edge materials and techniques. The challenge to explore the unknown drives me, blending fine art, design, technology, and the natural world.
What are the best ways to incorporate art in the home?
The type of art you choose is subjective but I think most people use art as an expression of themself and their personal aesthetic and so it doesn’t always have to revolve around design principles.
I think if you want to elevate your home in a clever or sophisticated way, ask yourself whether you’re looking to wow people as they walk in the room or if you’re looking to create some kind of unique timeless ambiance to your personal space. Remember, its an investment to elevate your space so the design being timeless I feel is a big factor before making a purchase.
I offer a service for my clients where they can send me a photo of where they want one of my pieces to live and I will return a mock-up image of what their desired artwork will look like. This way they can see what it looks like before adding to their space.
I love to work closely with my clients to ensure the finished piece once installed creates some real ‘WOW’ factor for their space.
How would you describe your signature style and approach to fine art and sculpting?
I am inspired by dynamic, fluid, organic forms, exploring the intersection of the natural world and the manufactured. My work is an odyssey toward what I call ‘Future Nature’: a synthesis of hard and soft forms that harmoniously collide, making each piece look both familiar and alien.
My approach starts with sketches or maquettes to capture my initial ideas. After revisiting the concept with fresh eyes, I proceed with fabricating a prototype only when I am confident in the design’s longevity and impact.
Quality materials and premium finishes are integral to my work and detailed complexity is balanced with refined simplicity, creating a unique, memorable, and interactive experience.
What are the latest artistic trends that you’re observing?
Having lived and worked in four countries, I’ve been exposed to all kinds of artistic trends. Polished stainless steel and mirrored artworks along with collectible high-end furniture design has surged in the last five years.
Inspired by these trends, I have been exploring a new series of mirrored artworks which can be customised to the client’s desires. Painting remains popular in Australia however in recent years the number of painters in Australia has doubled, making originality more challenging.
I am drawn to sculpture, particularly wall sculpture, which I think seamlessly integrates and elevates interior spaces.
How did you transition from TV and movie set production design in New York to bespoke sculpting in Sydney?
For the past six years, I lived in NYC, collaborating with comedian Will Ferrell on his TV show for Funny or Die. During this time, I had the opportunity to work closely with two renowned American sculptors which exposed me to the many advantages of customisable art. I saw this as burgeoning trend in Europe and the US but yet to take off in Australia.
Unfortunately around this time, COVID lockdowns hit New York and I decided to move back to Sydney to launch a new series of my own works.
Currently, customisable furniture in Australia is popular but not so much with art yet and I want to pave the way for this emerging trend.
Custom artwork can be designed to match specific spaces or themes, becoming a focal point that enhances the overall look and leaves a lasting impression. It adds value by creating a strong emotional connection, making the piece unique and cherished over time. My one-of-a-kind or limited edition sculptures offer exclusivity, adding value to both the artwork and the space it occupies.
Ultimately, I am dedicated to crafting original pieces that bring my clients’ visions to life and blend seamlessly into their environments.