Episode 10 - Billie Parsons

In this tenth episode of Create and Amplify, host Nic sits down with sculptor and artist Billie Parsons to talk about her journey through art, identity, and life as a disabled artist.

Billie shares how she transitioned from a background in theatre to working with sculpture, and how a serious accident changed both her life and creative practice. She opens up about learning to work with her body differently, her love for unusual materials, and her approach to making work that doesn’t centre the audience but invites them in.

 

Highlights include:

• How a fist-shaped ceramic project in high school sparked Billie’s love of sculpture
• Navigating disability and dexterity in a hands-on artform
• Building North Preston Lifesaving Club as a space for disabled artists
• The challenges and joys of studying Fine Arts in West Texas
• Winning awards for tomato relish and lemon butter at the Royal Easter Show

Billie also discusses what real support for disabled artists could look like, the value of making "bad pots," and why sharing knowledge within the community is essential.

 

More from Billie:
Visit billieparsonsart.com or get in touch to chat about ideas, collaborations or exhibitions.

 

Final Note
This episode marks the end of the Creative Australia funded run of Create and Amplify. Thank you to all our guests, supporters and listeners. If you’d like to hear more in future, follow us on socials or get in touch and let us know who you’d love to hear from next.