SculpereSculpere

February 2011A publication of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria Inc.www.Sculptorsvictoria.asn.au

Rudi Jass with his sculpture, ‘Eagle’.Image courtesy of the artist.

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Inside this Issue:

ASV News & Forthcoming Exhibitions including the

talk by sculptor, Ruth Lyon

Exhibition Opportunities & workshops outside ASV

Members Notices

Featured Artist for this issue: Rudi Jass (Front cover)

News outside ASV

Calendar

Welcome to Our New MembersRachel Boymal, Eva Ermer, Diane Thompson, Rodney Barnett, Ann-Maree Gentile and Paul Smits

ASV Committee 2010 – 2011PresidentGeoff Williams bh 9670 0824Vice PresidentMichael Meszaros bh 9853 9610TreasurerJohn Ride 9499 2928Secretary & Public Offi cerJohn Bishop 9885 2660Committee MembersMarija Patterson 9489 4537Monica Mauer 9723 9072

ASV Coordinators 2010 – 2011Monthly ActivitiesGillian Govan 9579 1221MembershipKay Salehi 9808 4056Web Site:Jenny Rickards 9836 2738Exhibitions:Annual: Beatrice Magalotti 9439 3592And Monica Mauer 9489 4537Elliot ASV Gallery: Monica Mauer 9723 9072Herring Island: Jenny Rickards 9836 2738MIFGS: Mark Cowie 5348 6596Castlemaine: Mark Cowie 5348 6596Tesselaar: Mark Cowie 5348 6596Newsletter:Geoff Williams bh 9670 0824

Editors: Katherine & Zoe Harrington Do you have any news worthy stories? If you do then please let us know about them and contact us at SCATE@netcall.com.au

Geoff Williams

The year started with another success at Jenny Rickard’s Herring Island – see her rousing report herewith.

Members are reminded to plan for their entries in the following exhibitions:Castlemaine (NEW) (1 – 10 April) entries close 4 March; and the Elliot-ASV Gallery complete refreshment (now 3 May) entries close 15 April.

See notices herewith – exhibits may be moved to different venues, having different audiences. ASV exhibitions generally aim to include a range of artistic styles. We believe artists like to grow and experiment in different modes and styles over time, and our exhibitions usually include works ranging from the abstract to the realistic.

On modern sculpture, one art critic has observed in the news that ‘anything goes’. Are there standards anyway?

Ideas on criteria for good art appear to vary enormously. Michael Mezaros uses four criteria, which could be applied to art in many forms: What is the artist trying to do? How is the artist trying to do it? Has the artist succeeded in doing what he/she set out to do? Was it worth doing in the fi rst place?

Michael openly acknowledges that these criteria would not suit everyone. For example, some may emphasise issues such as : Is it safe? Is there an impact through being beautiful or ugly? Is it properly fi nished? Is it important that there is a discernible purpose or message to viewers? Need it be understood by the mob? Some artists may be expressing a burning inside. Some may on the other hand prefer obscurity, as opposed to exposing themselves or their experiences, without realising the honest appeal of their nakedness will strike a common chord in others. Some may be simply guided by the grain of the wood or general shape of the stone or their mood at the moment. It is suggested that a purpose that is understood is more likely to be appreciated as transcendental, and the work respected through time.

I welcome your comments by web site blog.

ASSOCIATION OF SCULPTORS OF VICTORIA INC.ABN 99 298 227 922 www.sculptorsvictoria.asn.au

We cooperate as an association to advance the practice of sculpture and the reputation and appreciation of sculpture and sculptors in the community. This is regardless of whether or not we make a living from sculpture and regardless of our preferred style or medium. To this end we support artists’ moral rights; we advocate a professional attitude to the production and presentation of work and encourage the artistic and intellectual stimulation of interaction amongst artists of all persuasions

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ASV News & Forthcoming Exhibitions

Castlemaine State Festival ASV Sculpture Prize 2011 The Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) has established a sculpture competition and exhibition as a major adjunct to

the well-established biennial Castlemaine State Festival, which is attended by more than 50,000 visitors during the ten-day

event.

ASV invites sculptors to submit work that is suitable for indoor, courtyard, garden or outdoor settings. The fi rst-place prize-

winner will be awarded $1,500 in prize-money.

Applications close Friday, 4 March 2011.

Entry Forms obtained at www.sculptorsvictoria.asn.au or <markcowie@aussiebroadband.com.au>

At the last ASV Members Meeting our guest speaker, RUTH LYON spoke about her work...

Ruth Lyon has worked in the State Education system as a teacher and instructor since 1973, and lecturer at RMIT University since 1995. She has been an exhibiting artist since the late 70’s and has accomplished many public sculpture commissions such as the Cornish Miner, in Bendigo (1995) . Since the mid 80’s her attention was redirected to television and makeup artistry. In 1999 she was offered the role of Production Designer on the feature fi lm ‘Hostage to Fate’ and since has worked with private fi lm companies on features, shorts and teasers as a Production Designer/Art Director. (cont. page 6)

Due to popular demand another visit has been organised to Fundere Foundry on Saturday 12 March 2011, starting 10.30am. Cost will depend on numbers attending. Please book with Gillian Govan 9579 1221 or 0412 122 884 by close of Tuesday 8 March. Please note there will be no evening meet Wednesday 9 March.

So watch this page in coming issues to fi nd out what else your Society has planned.

Coming Events

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ASV News & Forthcoming Exhibitions

MEDIUM: ANY 2D ENTRIES CLOSE: 31 MARCHPRIZE: $15,000 + MALENY RESIDENCYA national contemporary art prize presented by Sunshine Coast Council and principal partner Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc. The winner receives $15,000 plus a $5,000 4-week residency in Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The prize is acquisitive and is open to all Australian artists working in any 2D medium. Forty finalists will be selected from entries submitted to a pre-selection panel. The finalist exhibition will be held at the Caloundra Regional Gallery from 17 August to 3 October 2011.

Judge: Maura Reilly, New York and Sydney based curator.

For an application and more information go to

www.scap.org.auA Creative Communities, Sunshine Coast Council initiative. Principal partner Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc.

The Elliot ASV Gallery, located at 356-358 Punt Road in South Yarra has proven a big success; with one third of the exhibits sold last December/January.

The complete refreshment of the exhibition originally planned for April has now been moved to the 3rd May, hence giving artists exhibiting at MIFGS and Castlemaine the opportunity to move their unsold work into the Elliot ASV Gallery.

Gallery opening times:Tuesday to Saturday 9:00-5:00Sunday and Monday by appointment only (041 234 9825).

ASV invites all member sculptors to submit works for inclusion to the Elliot ASV Gallery. Applications close: Friday 15th April 2011Please send printed photos, entry forms with details, and appropriate payment to: The Gallery organiser, 8 Grierson Dve, Kilsyth 3137.For any enquiries: monmauer@gmail.com

Call for Sponsors for the 2011 ASV Annual Sculpture Exhibition

Sponsorship for the 2011 ASV Annual has not yet been fi nalized. This is a great opportunity for you or someone you know to become a sponsor of the annual sculpture exhibition.

Sponsors’ logos will be printed on all invitations and promotional material for the event. Your support for this event is gratefully appreciated. The committee looks forward to working in partnership with you.

Confi rmation of sponsors is required by 2 April 2011. Please contact Beatrice Magalotti on 9499 3592 (home) for further information.

Calling out to all visual artists to be part of lost in sculpture exhibition 2011, a biennial outdoor exhibition of sculptures and installations along the Salt Creek trail, Dunkeld

PRIZE POOL:

$3000 Maria & Allan Myers Acquisition Award (for permanent installation along Salt Creek)$1000 lost in sculpture Non- Acquisitive Award$500Peoples Choice Award (non-acquisitive)

Dates 21 Oct 6 Nov 2011

A part of Discover Dunkeld a Mosaic of Experiences

Entries close 15 April 2011

Visit www.discoverdunkeld.com to download an entry form or contact Annette Huf on 0427 229 198 for further information

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Exhibition Opportunities outside ASV & Member’s Notices

Darren McNicholas from Dalchem, one of our sponsors as well as one of our judges for our last ASV Annual Exhibition, has all your needs for casting and moulding; he is also happy to provide advice and assistance. Delivery can also be arranged. For more information, visit his web site at www.dalchem.com.au or you can contact Darren on 9553 7040.

Members Notices

The Noosa Regional Gallery Travelling Scholarship is a national contemporary 3D art prize presented by the Sunshine Coast Council and principal partner Friends Noosa Regional Gallery Inc.

The purpose of the scholarship is to enable the winner to undertake study or training interstate or overseas. This may be through a recognised art institution, participation in short-term workshops or study with a nominated artist. Forty finalists will be selected from entries submitted to a pre-selection panel. The finalist exhibition will be held at the Noosa Regional Gallery from 27 July - 11 September 2011.

Judge: Maura Reilly, New York and Sydney based curator.

For an application and more information go to

www.travellingscholarship.org.auA Creative Communities, Sunshine Coast Council initiative. Principal partner Friends Regional Gallery Noosa Inc.

Bolin Bolin Gallery at Bulleen Art & Garden

6 Manningham Rd West, Bulleen. 9850 5155www.gallery.baag.com.au

11th February to 27 March 2011

An Exhibition to spread the word about sustainable gardening in our community, and to raise funds for SGA (Sustainable Gardening Australia). Artists taking part include, Jill Anderson, Jeanette Carter, Avis Gardner, Nicola Hoyle, Janice McCarthy, Meredith Plain, Jenny Steiner, Liz Vercoe, Liz Walker, and they are conveying their thoughts on sustainable gardens through sculpture, painting, ceramics and baskets.

For more information, or images, contact Meredith, 94398750 meredith@baag.com.au Go to the exhibitions section of www.gallery.baag.com.au for more information.

Art Melbourne 2011www.affordableartfair.com.au

Sculpt. NEW!Contemporary art is about breaking boundaries and tearing down the concept of the white walls. Sculpt Melbourne 2011 calls upon those who dare to challenge public perception of affordable art and that of the gallery space. Presenting contemporary outdoor projects by local emerging artists, Sculpt welcomes submissions of large- scale sculpture, outdoor installations and video work. Exhibition of work is FREE. Complete the application before 15th March 2011 to be considered.

I have booked to go on a really exciting trip to Morocco in June . The trip is organised by the artist, Coleen Cassar who has lived in Morocco for years and knows about the culture and people. These tours have been very popular but this year numbers are down and the tour may have to be cancelled. I will be so disappointed if it does not go ahead. So I am putting this website address in the news letter in the hope that someone out there would like to do the trip as much as I do. www.roamlikequeens.com.auGillian Govan

Noosa Stone

SCULPTURE BEQUESTENTRIES CLOSE: 31 MARCH 2011 VENUE: NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENSThe Noosa Botanic Gardens will be the recipient of a $200,000 bequest. A series of stone sculptures will eventually establish a sculptural wall through the gardens as biennially the bequest awards a new sculptor. The bequest will enable the winning sculptor the opportunity to travel and study for two months at a studio in Carrara, Italy. Following the residency the artist will return to Australia to complete their own stone sculpture.http://www.noosastonebequest.org.au/

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Marija Patterson introduced Ruth Lyon as a person full of energy and zest for life, whom she has known for some time and who has been a great inspiration to her.

Ruth began her artistic career as a painter and printmaker; but her artistic repertoire is extensive and includes sculpture, ballet, writing, as well as production design and artistic direction for fi lm. The creative process for Ruth has always been very rewarding but it is diffi cult to live by art alone. Ruth juggles her many interests with teaching, mainly at RMIT; and she also holds private classes. Ruth began the evening by showing us a sculptural work, ‘Walls of Refl ection’ that evolved from a poem she wrote, [titled, Life’s Mystery] when her dog was dying. [The poem was ultimately chiselled into granite to became part of the sculptural work created for the Necropolis Springvale.] Ruth’s intention was to create,“something to make the place alive.” Featured in the work are two bronze sculptures of a boy and a girl playing in a moat (see picture of sculpture of the girl this page).

Ruth did her art training in Bendigo, so was very pleased when she was asked to make a sculpture for that City. (see image of sculptural work on page 3) Although the sculpture was about mining in Bendigo, it also portrays miners wives [in relief, in occupations such as, prostitution and cleaning borne out of necessity after being widowed as a result of mining deaths].

Ruth then showed images of her sculptural portraits (busts as well as torsos) that she made of women who had achieved prominence in their area of endeavour (some of the women featured included: Deborah Lawrie, a Jumbo Jet pilot; Joan Kirner AM, the fi rst female premier of Victoria; Dr Lorna Sisley, a surgeon; Dr Elisabeth Lewis, a neuro surgeon and Raelene Boyle, a Commonwealth Olympic champion). They were beautifully sculpted likenesses in clay (Bendigo raku- chosen for its durability and strength) that had been fi red then painted.

By Gillian Govan

TALK BY RUTH LYON (cont.)

Life’s Mystery

“Is life’s mystery trapped within our grasp Dark times allow us to contemplate the art of just being Watch the waters dance around our feet Allow the healing ripples To fi nd their own way.”

Portrait of Jan Nelson,artist. Image courtesy of the artist

Detail from the ‘Walls of Refl ection’ Image courtesy of the artist.

(Seen here bronze sculpture of girl only)

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Featured artist: Rudi Jass

Rudi Jass recently won the Gate Gallery Acquisitive Sculpture Prize, the major prize at Sculpture and the Vineyards 2010. He was also awarded the Dame Elizabeth Murdoch Award at the Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition Annual Awards in 2006. Some of his corporate clients include Emirates Airlines, Lend Lease and AV Jennings. His work is also represented in many private collections in Australia, Japan, Singapore, Uk and the US.

Z+K: You were born in Germany, and emigrated to Australia in 1983? What made you choose this country to live?

RJ: I had lived in Papua New Guinea for 3 years before I followed a girl to Australia in 1983. I loved Melbourne immediately because it reminded me of my hometown,Hamburg, and the weather was much better.

Z+K: You have been working as a full time sculptor since 1990. What inspired you to become a sculptor?

RJ: I was always interested in design and when I arrived here in 1983, I found that there was almost nothing I wanted to buy for my home which had a contemporary feel to it. So I started building my own. Later I met Laszlo Biro who is a trained sculptor and I started what I refer to as a permanent apprenticeship with him. These years with Laszlo, plus my interests in industrial design, and my technical ability as a former PORSCHE technician, formed the base of the sculptures I create today.

Z+K: You were featured on the ABC television programme, ‘Gardening Australia’ where you talked about your garden sculptures. ‘The Garden’ has a rich history, from the gardens of Versailles, to the English style garden; and the beautiful Japanese gardens. Do you believe Australians embrace the garden as a place of beauty and meditation in the same way as other cultures?

RJ: When I started making my fi rst water feature with stainless steel and stone in 1991, there was nothing else on the market except some overly ornamental concrete features like little cherubs or mermaids. I think around the early 90’s people started to look at their garden as more than just a place for the Hills Hoist, and wanted to utilise the space as an outdoor extension of their homes. A logical conclusion would be to decorate these

‘Think Outside the Square’ by Rudi Jass. Image courtesy of the artist.

Next Issue due out in

April 2011

Interviews with

Inge King &

Zoe Macdonell&

Angela Valamanesh

Angela Valamanesh Animal, Vegetable, Mineral #A, 2007Unglazed Ceramic 4 parts 31x 97x 6 cm

Available from the NSW Art Gallery, Art Gallery of SA, Portrait Gallery in Canberra, the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, other State and regional galleries, Magnation and selected book stores and newsagents. Will also be available on-line at www.sculptureandtheenemies.com.au.Enquiries to SCATE@netcall.com.au.

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Rudi Jass Continued ...

outdoor “rooms” with some kind of art. In recent years contemporary sculpture has been incorporated into these garden spaces, creating a connection between man and nature.

Z+K: Which materials do you believe tend to be more popular from a commercial point of view?

RJ: It seems to be that concrete and stone products, usually imported from China, are still popping up everywhere; but I am not really interested in what material is popular from a commercial point of view.

Z+K: Does this criteria infl uence what you create your works from?

RJ: As I said, I am not infl uenced by the commercial popularity of materials; I prefer to work mainly with stainless steel and corten steel; I also incorporate elements of natural stone and glass. I am passionate about creating sculptures that have an extremely long lifespan and need very little maintenance. Z+K: On your website it states that, all pieces are handmade, small or limited editions. How important is this element to your work? Do you feel that it is important that artists limit the duplications made of their works?

RJ: All my pieces are handmade; this is the only way to achieve a quality with which I am satisfi ed. I can’t speak for other artists; but I choose to make some of my sculptures in limited editions of 8 to retain exclusivity.

Z+K: Do you handcraft the works yourself? Do you have a studio?

RJ: I do most of the work myself and I have an assistant who works for me on a part time basis. I also work closely with an engineering fi rm that makes some components for me because my machinery is not set up for it. I make use of modern technology by using a CAD program to work out some design problems and I get certain items laser cut. I work from a 250 sq/m studio/workshop.

Z+K: In some cases it is cheaper for an artist to employ someone to fashion the works for them. Do you think this is becoming more common? Do you think that it affects the quality of the work?

RJ: As an artist you also have to be a businessman. In some instances it is not viable to do the work by yourself. I have produced sculptures up to 5 m tall. That is about the limit for me as my studio is only 6 m high. Steel sculptures in that size are also very heavy and you need very expensive lifting equipment. If you know somebody with the studio space and the necessary equipment; whom you can trust to work exactly with your design and specifi cations to realise your sculpture in it’s larger form; I don’t think it is a problem that someone else has manufactured the piece.

‘Silver Leaves’. Image courtesy of the artist

‘Fossil’. Image courtesy of the artist

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Sculptors Lead the 2011 Herring Island Summer Arts Festival

Image above: ‘Frankly’ by Jenny Rickards

The ASV launched the Herring Island Summer Arts Festival on the 15th January. It was quite an effort for all our exhibitors to get their work into the show. The entries were at an inconvenient time before Christmas and the delivery day was too soon afterwards; and it was raining to boot. Never-the-less the show was fabulous- the members rose to the challenge magnifi cently, delivering a great show and capitalising on the lead up publicity, and the support of the Australia Day council.

We had a formal opening as befi ts the launch of a festival – and sold three works on opening day. Opening day was hosted by President, Geoff Williams; and the speaker was Nigel Caswell, the former head of Parks Victoria, who was also a part of the inception of Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park. Representatives of both Yarra and Stonnington Councils were also present. We had over 100 visitors on all but the last day and over 200 on Australia Day. This is pretty good when you consider that few people would come to the island just for a picnic and a look at the permanent collection.

Eight works were sold during the show. On that note could I make a request to sculptors: please don’t drop your prices – we don’t want people to think that they will get a better deal, waiting until after the show.

The show would not have been a success without a lot of teamwork – there are numerous “towers of strength” to thank: at set up Andrew Bryant and Bronwyn and Patrick Culshaw were indispensable – along with the mopping and wiping brigade who held back wet sculpture and people at the door and sent dry work to be set up (by slightly soggy people) – brilliant! All through the show we had sitters and demonstrators, and we shared the courtyard with the other groups on Australia Day – thanks to all those people too. And at the end – the last packing and mopping up was assisted by Gillian Govan and Michael Meszaros. Thank you to all heroes named and unnamed.

It is likely that we will also lead next year’s festival. It is a good spot to maximise publicity even if there is a bit of pressure on the exhibitors. And it refl ects the ASV’s leading role in organising the festival. So all exhibitors please keep next summer open for a small work or three to go to the island.

Jenny Rickards, ASV HISAF coordinatorwww.vicnet.net.au/~hisaf; http://hisafnews.blogspot.com/

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News outside ASV: Sydney Sea Sculpture to get Harbour Home

Winning pieces from Sydney’s annual Sculpture by the Sea competition will now have a more lasting home at the Royal Botanic Gardens.When the exhibition ends each year, the winners will be moved from the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, to the gardens on the edge of the harbour.Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens Trust, Dr Tim Entwisle says the sculptures will stay in Sydney for ten years and then some will go to the gardens at Mount Tomah or Mount Annan. “I think the artists will be thrilled because they get their piece of sculpture to have harbour views in a botanical paradise and four million visitors a year coming to see it,” he said.“If I was a sculpture, this is exactly where I would want to sit.”© 2011 ABC

Betty Colier, ‘Solitude’.

Barry Wemyss, ‘Shizen’.

Betty Knight, ‘Sandy’.

Gordon Robertson, ‘Orb’.

2011 Herring Island Summer Arts Festival Cont...

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EVENTS (Target Dates) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNEELLIOT ASV EXHIB open open re-open open open open

ASV HERRING IS. EXHIB 15-30/1

ASV MIFGS EXHIBITION 23-27/3

ASV CASTLEMAINE EXHIB 1-10/4

ASV Memb. Meets 9/2 12/3 13/4 11/5 8/6

ASV Committee Meets 3/2 6/4

Sculptor Organisations in Other States:NSW: www.sculptorssociety.com

Queensland: www.sculptorsqld.org.au

Overseas TravellersOverseas Travellers Please submit Photographs and a short article on any Sculpture or other worthwhile Art that you see while travelling. (Digital images must be saved as JPEGs of 300 dpi, over 1 MB in size, and be able to be opened in PC format.)

Donations Gifts and Sponsorship RequiredThe ASV has a Public Fund for collecting Gifts and Donations. Anything over $5.00 is Tax Deductible as we have DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status with the tax offi ce. Donations can be applied for example to administrative costs (running exhibitions) and/or to Prizes. Members, their Families, Friends, Business Colleagues and the Community in general are invited to seek more information as to how they can help the ASV. Major donations $500+ for our exhibitions are especially necessary

and by discussion with the Committee may have naming rights attached to the gift.Sponsorship is also welcome and can be acknowledged in many ways. Donations can be sent to the Treasurer of the ASV,

56 Lucerne Cres, Alphington 3078.

ASV PROGRAM FOR YEAR TO 30 JUNE 2011

Sponsors of this Society include

Dalchem, Ronald Pitcher, trustee of Margaret Gunnersen Thomas Estate, Bulleen Art & Garden, Daniel Meszaros Architects, Without Pier Gallery, Kooyonga Chapel Winery, Mary van den Broek and IMG (International Management Group of America Ltd).

Note: although all editorial material is checked thoroughly for accu-racy, neither the editors, nor the Society can accept responsibility for information in this publication that may be ambiguous or incorrect.