Bulletin. September/October Ingrid Morely, 'Do Undo

Transcription

1 The SculptorsSociety Bulletin September/October 2013 Ingrid Morely, 'Do Undo

2 IMPORTANT NOTICES Christmas Party Thursday 5 December for a 7pm dinner Mosman Art Gallery in the Grand Hall The cost this year will be $60-00 per person to cover the cost of the food and drinks for the evening. So we can confirm our numbers please RSVP and pay by the 18th November. RSVP to Feisal on or fmramadan@optusnet.com.au Pay by EFT (preferred) or cheque Our bank account details are: BSB: Account: Please include your name and Xmas as the reference e.g JSmith Xmas Australia Square EXHIBITION An associated event with Art and About, Sydney 23 Sept 11 Oct Dismantle 13 Oct 9am noon Art prizes which might interest you: 11th October Hornsby Art Prize Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre. The Hornsby Art Prize exhibition showcases exciting new art works produced locally and beyond. Vote for your favorite artwork in the people s choice award. Opens 9 November th October Sculpture at Scenic World 2014 Open call for Submissions, entries close 14 October April - 18 May 2014 exhibition set amongst rainforest n the Blue mountains 31st October McClelland Sculpture Survey 2014 Applications open tel : ; award $100,000 - closing date for entries is 31 October th November Sculpture at Sawmillers Sculptors are invited to participate in Sculpture at Sawmillers exhibition to be held in the iconic harbourside Sawmillers Reserve in McMahons Point in March 2014 for a total of ten days. The exhibition will be launched by the Governor of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC. A major sculpture prize of $10,000 (non-acquisitive), a Promising Young Artist Prize of $5,000, as well as various other smaller prizes will be awarded. Entry Forms can be downloaded at or contact Elsa Atkin at Exhibition Project Director CHRISTMAS PARTY The Christmas party this year will be on Thursday 5 December 2013 Starting at 6.30 for a 7pm dinner until pm at Mosman Art Gallery in the Grand Hall We have a fantastic menu of festive food organised to start off the holiday season. Eva's wonderful slideshow of members works and Feisal's music. The cost this year will be $60-00 per person to cover the cost of the food and drinks for the evening. RSVP to Feisal on or fmramadan@optusnet.com.au Pay by EFT (preferred) or cheque Our bank account details are: BSB: Account: Please include your name and Xmas as the reference e.g JSmith Xmas For cheques (please write your name and Xmas party on the back) and post to our Treasurer, Feisal Ramadan, 46 Kooringal Ave, Thornleigh 2120 Payment in advance is needed to secure your booking! MLC CENTRE EXHIBITION An associated event with Art and About, Sydney 7th October - 25th October Set-up 6 Oct 9am noon Dismantle: 27 Oct 9am noon So we can confirm our numbers please RSVP and pay by the 18th November. We re looking forward to seeing you! Please note that these 2 exhibitions overlap! 2 2

3 STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS The Sculpture Society is introducing a new exhibition opportunity at The INCINERATOR ART SPACE, Willoughby from April 23 to May 11, By then an excellent coffee shop will be open on the top level of this iconic building. Expressions of interest are sought for indoor and outdoor works to enable the proposal to proceed. Site-specific works will be encouraged and a site inspection is suggested before submission. Outdoor works can be placed predominantly on the grassed areas at the rear and in the courtyard of the Incinerator. They must be robust, substantial in size and safe to the public. Insurance of these works will be the responsibility of the artists concerned. The Sculptors Society will hold Public Liability for the exhibition as per usual. The selection committee would negotiate siting of the sculpture with the artist s concerned. Plinths are required depending on the positioning of sculpture. Indoor and courtyard works would be safely locked or supervised at all times. We are seeking an early response of interest with details of the work(s). Good quality photographs, dimensions, price and materials are required. An accompanying brief artist statement and brief CV should be included. The success of this exhibition would need a strong ongoing commitment by all participants. This would entail a weekly turn on the roster with proposed roster times being Mon-Fri pm and pm and weekends pm and pm. We anticipate that 2-3 sculptors on duty per shift to aid with sales and interaction with visitors. It is a requirement that exhibitors commit to the supervision roster. Helpers such as family and friends would be welcome. The deadline for entrants is 31st October, Expressions of interest should be ed or posted so as to measure the support for this proposed exhibition. Maryann Nicholls (nichom@bigpond.net.au) Feyona van Stom (feyonavanstom@gmail.com) Eva Chant (evachant10@gmail.com), (sculpt1@ bigpond.net.au) Postal entries to be sent to Feyona van Stom - 49 Rangers Avenue, Mosman NSW 2088 From the President O From the ur exhibition at Australia Square is looking good, thank you all for understanding what goes on with a new show, new requirements and not a few changes. Art and About is throughout the city and has extended further afield this year. We are lucky to have been included as an Associated event. Hopefully it will bring some fresh eyes in to see our sculptures on display at both Australia Square and the MLC Centre venues. The MLC Centre exhibition will be our final exhibition for this year. The applications that we received were again exceptional, and it is great to be a part of the team that sees them first up - however, photos don't do the works justice and it's good to see them in 3d. This year has had its share of changes and new rules in buildings with their tightened OH and S requirements. We are lucky enough to be guests in our venues and to show in such fantastic buildings. Gary Grant organised another very interesting forum with Chris Forbes speaking about ancient Greek art - Chris knows his subject very well and has a great sense of humour - we felt completely a part of those Sculptors of long ago. Our second speaker Clive Calder, also one of our Darling Park sponsors, spoke of his great passion in helping other artists in every way he can, and his own passion in making sculpture, and, in a new discovery he has come on accidentally, which he is working with, and may even be prepared to share once he has refined it. Have a good look at our website - Eva Chant has made some changes which make it a very good way of promoting your own artwork. We appreciate the new venue of Mosman Art Gallery, the artwork around us really adds something special to the evening. A little more work for your committee, but we are hoping there will be some volunteers who will step up and take on some of the catering. Maryann Nicholls, our committee member has researched the Incinerator art Space at Willoughby and has now finalised the dates for a new and exciting opportunity for all of our artists. A venue with outside area which recognises some of our artists requests to display in an outdoor setting, as well as a protected indoor setting with no restrictions other than safety. Look for her article within this bulletin as our application has to be sent in before the end of October. Submit your 'other' works that cannot be displayed in city buildings. Our own Sally Zylberberg has had a return of health problems but is happily on the mend. Some of you will have heard, or noticed, that Babette has been stepping back from the committee and exhibiting; she is not leaving us - but is finding more time for herself and we have a big thank you to her for the years of work she has already given us. Angela's reviews are inspired and consider yourself lucky if you have been written up! At our Australia Square set up I spent some time with the Mayor of North Sydney - Jilly Gibson, who expressed a strong desire to arrange for our Society to have a show in one of the North Sydney city buildings - will keep you posted if this progresses. Myself, I have had an enormous year, and it's far from over yet. My son Willem, also a successful sculptor in the Society, is getting married to his love Zoe in the next few weeks. A busy time for both of us. Our Christmas party will be held in the Grand Hall at the Mosman Art Gallery and our caterer is amazing - new ideas and new food. Happy Sculpting Feyona van Stom 3 3

4 AUSTRALIA SQUARE REVIEW BY ANGELA MORRELL Amanda Harrison The Wonder Stoneware/ceramic & oxide - 27 x 37 x 20 cms Vrej Matossian Inner Beauty Chrome plated aluminium, granite - 60 x 70 x 28 cms On first impression Matossian s sculpture interprets as being made from polished stainless steel and it is a surprise to find that it is in fact made from aluminum. Captured in between two rectangular sheets of plated aluminum is a red ball symbolizing an inert perceptual experience of pleasure and inner beauty. The ball is pressed against the walls of the encasing metal, which dictates the overall form. Matossian s interest in working with metal has led him to utilize the softness and malleability of aluminum and then by chrome plating he has achieved a seductive mirror finish. There is an innocence and tenderness that sets the mood between a mother and her child in this gentle rendition. The child full of wonder engages with the mysticism in life as she reaches up to show her mother a starfish. Harrison has used grog to its best advantage not only giving strength to the clay for hand building but also giving a speckled sun kissed effect. Grog is clay that has been fired then ground up into particles. When firing the addition of grog reduces shrinkage and the likelihood of cracking. In The Wonder the combination of stoneware clay, red manganese oxide and grog have enhanced the feeling of warmth whilst basking in the sun. The mood is so aptly captured in this delightful cameo. Stylization of form is characteristic of Harrison s figurative sculptures, which are also typically light hearted and life affirmative. - Image courtesy of Vrej Matossian Larissa Smagarinsky Toward the Sun Acrylic resin masterworks - 60 x 30 x 25 cms Smagarinsky uses the exaggerated principles of partial geometric abstraction. Toward the Sun although a representational figurative sculpture is not in the absolute literal sense and contains partial abstraction. It is within the cubist orbit and contains a dynamic of futurism. The work is so powerful in its message that we interpret it as resembling total reality, and the property of truth. The strength in its forms is partially flattened to give it a geometric edge enhancing its upward direction. There is an optimism and lightness to this weighty figure with its tilted head and upstretched arms. Toward the Sun is both confident and is irrefutably tangible.- Image courtesy of Vrej Mark Aylward Walks of Life Found objects - 50 x 205 x 30 cms Aylward makes his point of departure for creating sculpture by utilizing found elements that have an impressive character and history. A termite-eaten railway sleeper functions as a holding mechanism for shoe trees and shoe stretchers that appear to make their walks of life in unison above and below the sleeper. Each foot is distinct with a specific coloration and finish. The work is amusing and entertaining but at the same time substantial, engaging us with its presence and inviting our contemplation. 4

5 Martin Williams Bird on Wire Chicken wire, wire - 20 x 10 x 10 cms William s common blackbird conveys the impression of defending its breeding territory ready to chase away other birds, bowing its head with its tail dipped in a threatening show. The spikiness of the black enamelsprayed chicken wire, from which William s black bird is made, also communicates the feeling of contemplation. The transparency of the work give the sensation of ruffled feathers, which although are sharp, have a fragility and present a vulnerability. Bird on wire is a refined and simple minimalist work but has a voice that is as loud as a blackbird, singing in the dead of night, take those broken wings and learn to fly, into the light of the dark black night. (Beatles) - Image courtesy of Vrej Matossian Kerry Anne Boer Valentine Honey onyx, Perspex rod - 80 x 40 x 43 cms Taste is arbitrary but in the case of Boer s honey onyx carving, it hardly ventures into the matter. This work must surely have a universal appeal. The main form of the carving and its base are in one piece that in turn sits on another square of onyx. Perspex rod is part of the sculpture and intriguingly it is totally hidden and therefore one can only assume that it is internally positioned to give strength. It is pure poetry in static motion. Our eyes can feast on its fluid form as they are guided to move around and around its liquid polished surface. Aptly named Valentine the work has a totally romantic allure. - Image courtesy of Vrej Matossian Feyona van Stom Red lady Bronze - 40 x 30 x 30 cms We are all accustomed to the studies of van Stom s female torsos that she has interpreted in numerous ways, mostly in ceramic. Red Lady is in bronze with a red patination that is irresistible. There is a calm sensuality to its tilted perfect form, which is utterly captivating. This sculpture is an absolute van Stom classic and whomever may be fortunate enough to eventually possess the work, will never tire of it as it is utterly timeless. - Image courtesy of Vrej Matossian Jan Shaw Leo Angaston gold marble - 30 x 40 x 30 cms Angaston gold marble comes from the largest marble and limestone mine in South Australia and is favoured by many Australian sculptors. Leo is the fifth sun sign of the zodiac and when imbued with its typical characteristics, is magnetic and impossible to miss. True, this is a powerful abstract carving that speaks loudly and has strength of purpose. Leo is creatively entertaining with its mesmeric linear carving that moves in formation around its exciting and thought provoking shape. - Image courtesy of Vrej Matossian 5

6 THE SEPTEMBER FORUM A REVIEW BY Sally Aplin In Mosman Art Gallery on 18th September we had an excellent talk on Ancient Greek Sculpture by Dr. Chris Forbes from Macquarie University. He began by stating that contrary to general knowledge, ancient Greek sculpture was not pure white or cream but very brightly coloured. Dr Forbes presented examples of stylistic distinctions between the formal male figurative poses of early Greek Classical sculpture from 600 BC and the more flowing naturalistic depictions in the following Hellenic period from 320 BC, including even the grotesque. Dr Forbes added that the female nude does not appear to have been a worthy subject until after the Classical period. The second speaker Clive Calder, Director of Australian Bronze shared his experiences in setting up an extensive bronze foundry with gallery, artists studios and a shop at North Head. He outlined the sorts of metal commission he has undertaken, some to extend the range and knowledge of his skilled team of assistants and some more routine, to enable the organization to flourish. He emphasized that they offer advice, practical help, very high quality casting, fabrication and endless variations in patination. He invited members to visit. Images courtesy of Eva Chant ARTIST STATEMENT FROM CHRISTINE SIMPSON Aural Energy Field is an enquiry into light exchange between the past, present and future. A recognition that death is only the death of the physical body of that particular life. It is our soul that is transcendant and travelling its journey to the next spiritual lesson. Therefore this piece embraces consideration for resurrection, ascension and the possible return to the physical realms of earthly life. STEVEN LOWY RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF AGNSW L-R: Guido-Belgiorno-Nettis, Michael Brand and Steven Lowy. Courtesy: Diana Panuccio and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Steven Lowy will retire from his position as president of the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney at the end of the year. He had served eight years as a trustee of the gallery and seven of those as president. Speaking at the official announcement, Lowy said that he had collectively made an important contribution and that with the next stage of planning in the gallery's Sydney Modern masterplan about to begin, it was time for new leadership. Guido Belgiorno-Nettis, a trustee since 2007 and current chair of the gallery's strategy and development committee, is the incoming president. Director of AGNSW, Michael Brand, acknowledged Lowy's contribution to the gallery during a time of great Christine Simpson Aural Energy transition, and stated that he is greatly looking forward to working with Belgiorno-Nettis to ensure the success of the masterplan. It was also announced that another long-serving trustee, vice president Sandra McPhee, will retire at the end of the year. A decision on the two trustee appointments to replace Lowy and McPhee will be made later in the year. This article has been reproduced courtesy of Art Collector and was written by Alexandra Djurichkovic. 6

7 SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN 2013 Emu Artists: Roshelle McKillop Photographer: Roland Mach Sculptures in the Garden is an outdoor art exhibition in Mudgee making waves in creative and tourism industries across the state. The third annual event will be held in October this year and is already being billed as a flagship show. Entry is just $5 and all profits raised from the sale of the sculptures goes to the Mudgee Guide Dogs Support Group and towards funding a new sculpture walk in Mudgee s town centre. PUBLIC SCULPTURES IN SOUTH AMERICA BY PIN HSUN HSIANG In October of 2011, Pin Hsun Hsiang and his wife Joanne, travelled to South America to visit Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Uraguay. Throughout their travels to this beautiful continent they met many amazing warm people, living colourful lives. Along the way they were awestruck by the sight of huge sculptures which will not be easily forgotten. Pin and Joanna want to share some of their memories with you. More than 100 sculptors are already lined up to exhibit at Sculptures In The Garden on October 12 and 13 to a crowd of thousands. October 12 13, 9am 4pm Kay & Gerald Norton-Knight s garden Rosby 122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee, Mudgee Phone (02) Pin Hsun Hsiang's visit to South America and the Sculptures he and Joanne saw on their trip 7

8 NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS LOOKING GLASS BAY By Anthony Chandler The unveiling of my sculpture for Looking Glass Bay took place on Sat. 21st September by our Gov. of NSW, Marie Bashir with my son Sascha officiating on my behalf due to my absence in Europe. Included in the event that day was a re-enactment of our first Govenor, Capt. Arthur Phillip establishing first contact with the aborigines of the area, one of whom became quite fascinated with his first sighting through the Governor' s telescope, hence the name "Looking Glass Bay". My Patron in this project, Ross Pitts and I are dedicated to the recording of as much of Australia's history as possible, hence our first two projects together, 'Banjo' Paterson and now 'Looking Glass Bay' both of which incidentally are situated at the end of Punt Rd. Gladesville on the site of The Banjo Paterson Restaurant along with all the other historic memorabilia related to these projects. Thank you, Anthony Patrick Chandler CONGRATULATIONS COL HENRY COL HENRY has created a 4 meter tall stainless steel sculpture for Kogarah Council outside the railway station. The sculpture is called Meaning and it refers to the name Kogarah, which means Place of Reeds. The brief called for water running over surfaces, not spraying. Col Henry Meaning 8

9 TOM MOURAD: CEDARS OF LEBANON: Tom Mourad created a magnificent sculpture, The Dream, out of Lebanese Cedar Wood, shown at our recent Darling Park Exhibition and reviewed by Angela Morrell for the July/August 2013 Bulletin issue. To clarify any misconceptions, Tom would like it to be known that he did not cut this tree in Lebanon nor any living tree for that matter. On the contrary, he endeavoured to bring those which have fallen back to life. disease, the conservators at the Royal Botanic Gardens decided to remove it and plant another in its place. In consultation with the Lebanese Embassy, the conservators then offered to give me the remaining timber so I may bring it back to life in the form of sculpture. As any 100 year old Lebanese Cedar tree, it was of immense size, and so it bore fruit to not only one but several sculptures, some small and others large as in the exhibited work, The Dream. The timber is of a Lebanese Cedar tree which was planted in Sydney s own Royal Botanic Gardens in the 1800s. Unfortunately, stricken by Tom Mourad The Dream NEWS FROM MARK AND HELEN AYLWARD A collaboration at the 'HIDDEN' exhibition, 13/09/2013. Rookwood Cemetry, Homebush. Mark & Helen Aylward In Living Memory Jane Dawson was commissioned to create a sculpture of John the Baptist for St. Bede s Church in Pyrmont in Sydney. The beautiful church was constructed out of local sandstone in 1867 by the Cannon and O Toole families. The descendants of these families were the benefactors, and the sculpture was created in memory of their forbears. The Blessing of the sculpture took place on Sunday 18th August during the Service conducted by Father Colin Fowler complete with choir, organ a violin recital, and a full house. The sculpture is made of copper and is installed above the Baptismal font. St. John is wearing cloth made of camel hair, gaunt from living in the wilderness, unkempt and holding a staff with a banner bearing the words Ecce Agnus Dei. The challenge was to create a sense of all this with the copper and yet maintain the dignity and religious significance and the importance of its position above the font. The benefactors and Father Fowler were very happy with the result. Jane Dawson with her sculpture of St. John the Baptist installed in St. Bede s Pyrmont August

10 HELEN ALAJAJIAN WINS 1ST PRIZE IN THE NORTHBRIDGE ART PRIZE riday the 13th September was a Flucky day for me as I was awarded 1st prize in the sculpture section of the Northbridge Art Prize with the life study of a head, below. Her name is Benedicta. Feyona van Stom judged the Sculpture Section of this prize News from Anita Larkin In August Anita Larkin installed an exhibition which she had curated, of artists who work in the medium of felt. The exhibition was titled Feltportation and included 13 contemporary artists, from all around Australia, Iceland, Japan, and New Zealand, who use felt in conceptual artworks, bringing an ancient craft into a modern context. The exhibition explored how felt can be used as an insulation material, allowing the transference or interference, of objects, materials, sound, warmth, and of spirit. It was shown in the FCA Gallery, at Wollongong University during August and September The exhibition was accompanied by a full colour catalogue with pages by each of the artists and a curatorial essay. This exhibition was held in conjunction with The 12th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence (SHFC) held at Stanwell Tops from the 1-6 September, Anita Larking Second Skin Helen Alajajian Benedicta GALLERY SCHOOL SCULPTURE CASTING SERVICES AND SUPPLIES CLIVE CALDER MOB: TEL: australianbronze@bigpond.com Web: 19 North Fort Road, North Head Reserve Manly NSW

11 Stay connected Please like our Facebook page in order to be kept up to date with the latest Sculptors Society News & Events! sculptorssociety Other Sculptor Societies: Victoria: Queensland: WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS Robert McColgan for Full Membership. SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US If you have some interesting news to share with our members, please Eva Chant with your articles/ news and high resolution images. ATTRIBUTION of IMAGES All images in this bulletin were provided courtesy of the artists unless stated otherwise. Our members are reminded that the website is there for their benefit and helps to promote their work and personal information. All new information from artists can be included onto their webpages but we need this feedback regularly. As well, our website fees require annual renewal and the form is found on our website under Forms. Fees are now overdue and prompt payment would be greatly appreciated. Classifieds Gargoyle Masonry Lic C Carving stone sales Marble and sandstone Pneumatics sales and advice Myles PLINTHS MADE TO ORDER ROGER FENTON ST. IVES, NSW TEL: (02) FAX: (02) MOB: Designed for structural integrity Light weight Affordable Plinths Also for Hire President Feyona van Stom Ph: Rangers Ave, Mosman 2088 Vice President Babette Forster-Gomme Exhibitions & Mailouts Ph: Fax: Weemala Rd, Terrey Hills, 2084 Vice President Maryann Nicholls Ph: Honorary Treasurer Feisal Ramadan Ph: Kooringal Ave, Thornleigh, 2120 Honorary Secretary & Website Co-Ordinator Eva Chant Ph: Mobile: Corang Rd, Westleigh, 2120 Bulletin Editor Claudine Tucker Ph: Forum Director Gary Grant: Proof reader and catering committee Sally Zylberberg Ph: , Fax: Exhibitions Reviewer Angela Morrell Ph: Committee Members 2013 Calendar Sunday 6 October Sunday 13 October Sunday 27 October Thursday 5 December 9am - 12 midday set up MLC Centre 9am - 12 midday Dismantle Australia Square 9 am - 12 midday Dismantle MLC Centre Christmas party at Mosman Art Gallery & Community Centre The Sculptors Society Bulletins provide information, and topical news and views considered to be of interest to our readers. Nothing written here is intended as a substitute for professional advice, and no liability arising from our publications is accepted. Articles and reviews submitted may be edited at the discretion of the editor, and no correspondence in this regard will be entered into. All material (images, graphics and writing) appearing in this publication is subject to copyright interests claimed by The Sculptors Society and should not be copied or transmitted to electronic memory or otherwise without the previous written consent of the said Society. Copyright The Sculptors Society This publication was printed by Forestville Printing Sydney Jolanta Janavicius Ph: Lee Blattmann lee.blattmann@gmail.com Meike Davis Vrej Matossian matoss@bigpond.com ISSN

12 12 Angela Morrell Mine Mixed media