We recently had the opportunity to interview Fairgrounds St. Pete FLORIDARAMA Artist Maxwell Parker. His diorama really needs no description, as the name of his FLORIDARAMA, Radio-Controlled Rocket Powered Non-Dairy Ice Cream Delivery Vehicle (RCRPNDICDV), has that covered!
Maxwell Parker builds sculptures and machines out of junk. The mechanisms mimic body movement; they shake, wiggle, fidget, scream and groan, and often break or destroy themselves. He also builds machines that alter people’s perspectives or suspend their disbelief, such as a shrinking machine or a rocket to carry them to the moon. Parker says, “Well, I had to make a model of the vehicle. Next stop is full production size.”
Read on to learn more about what the experience of being part of our inaugural exhibit is like for him.
What do you want the public to take away from experiencing the FLORIDARAMA diorama you have created for Fairgrounds St. Pete?
MAXWELL PARKER: I would love for people to shrink themselves and be able to order tiny non-dairy ice cream in the parking lot, but we’re still working on that technology. So they’ll just have to explore it from the outside.
What about being a part of Fairgrounds St. Pete’s inaugural exhibition is most exciting to you?
MP: The opportunity for my work to be surrounded by so many other talented artists’ work is what I find most exciting.
We wonder what kind of tunes this ice cream truck plays?🤔
What inspired your Fairgrounds St. Pete FLORIDARAMA?
MP: I pulled inspiration from my allergies and regional DIY car modding. I wanted to create a thing that could safely and swiftly deliver icey food to anywhere and anyone in the galaxy.
What is the most significant influence in your art practice?
MP: The biggest influence on my practice is exploration of my immediate surroundings and called that every-day absurdity!
Besides Fairgrounds St. Pete, do you have an upcoming project you’d like to share?
MP: Catch me at Sculpture Space this fall!
What is your favorite FL destination or landmark?
MP: Any hiking trail that’s not under water and has at least a little shade
To be one of the first to see Maxwell’s work and get access to Fairgrounds St. Pete buy your tickets today, and join our Insiders Club for the latest Fairgrounds St. Pete news.