Randell describes himself as an artist with a background in signmaking, in public art, studio art and media art.

Now he works with communities to create art for public spaces – and he’s coming to Forbes in September.

Just what the local work will look like is still very much open for discussion, but the River Arts committee is opening the opportunity for six to 12 young people – aged 15 to 20 years – to work with Randell next month.

“What I do for a project in a public space is to discuss the ideas,” he explained.

“I approach it as if I were an architect or a design consultant.” 

The Dubbo-based Randell specialises in working with all the people involved, he’s now produced a number of public artworks right across the western area.

“There are a number of players,” he said.

“Funding partners, the community at large, the owner of location and of course the participating artists. We need to build confidence with the community.”

So is he looking for accomplished artists to join him? Not necessarily.

“Not everybody I work with thinks they’re an artist but once you’ve been part of one of my projects you could reasonably add that to your CV,” he said.

The process is as important to the artist as the finished product is.

“I love the transformation in the conversation,” Randell said.

“There’s almost always some reticence and I love to see that evolve into pride and ownership.

“There’s always a celebration, a handover – I’m not the artist any more, you are.”

The River Arts Festival this year will see events take place throughout the month of September, there will be a community festival day by the Lake on September 23.

See Randell’s work at fishdog.com.au

If you’re interested in being part of the local project, go to the River Arts Festival Forbes Facebook page to get in touch with organisers.

September 1-13 – Flight of the Freaking Bogong Moth art exhibition at the Platypus Gallery

September 2 – Photo sprint – register at the Platypus Gallery

September 20 – Historical gastronomy at Forbes Museum with Jacqui Newling

September 23 – Community festival by Lake Forbes

September 30 – River Arts and Culture Symposium