A Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends,

As I sat browsing through a magnificent book called Sculpture Today that I was given as a birthday gift I decided I would share the Forward note with you.

"SCULPTURE TODAY by Judith Collins is a survey of astonishing changes that the art of sculpture has undergone from the 1960s onwards. Written from a global perspective and generously illustrated with almost 500 images, this seminal book takes the reader on a breathtaking journey through a story of evolving and often revolutionary attitudes to materials, methods and ideas. The result of these explorations is a vast diversity of contemporary art in three dimensions.

As the heyday of modernism drew to a close in the second half of the twentieth century, artists and critics began to see sculpture as a more vital discipline than painting because of its physical presence and immediacy. Consequently, sculptors journeyed into new realms—encompassing such varied topics as the human body, politics, identity, clothing, architecture, memory anthropology and creating elaborate environments. Others addressed more traditional subjects—including nature, scale, surface and colour---while nevertheless taking them to unconventional ends."

We are fortunate to be part of the ongoing history of sculpture and to have the freedom to evolve, express ourselves, our thoughts and our ideals through our work. We are able to use traditional materials and methods, or experiment with the new. "We can still journey into new realms"

"Creativity is a celebration of life….my celebration of life"- Joseph Zinker (psychotherapist)

We may not have a sculpture tome written about our work or us but we are all leaving our mark. The Herring Island exhibition is an example of an excellent sculpture display with such diversity of thought and personal philosophies. It was great to see new members bringing new sparks into the exhibition and we hope as the year continues to encourage young and emerging sculptors to take part in future exhibitions and help us make our mark as an Association in the history of sculpture in Victoria.

When our last President took up his role he came with such enthusiasm and drive with ideas about increasing our membership base, bringing young sculptors on board, and sharpening our image. He admitted at the time that it was natural as a new president to attempt to turn the page and instil a degree of dynamic change. As a committee we took all this on board and I hope we can build on Jan’s aspirations. As he said to do this we need help and I am delighted with the enthusiastic offers we have had in recent times.

I cannot finish this letter without expressing gratitude to Jenny Rickards for once again bringing together the Herring Island Exhibition. For many years now she has put together a great event with very talented sculptors and this year is no exception. Thanks also to all who helped along the way. One of the greatest benefits of our exhibitions is having the opportunity to talk to other sculptors, demonstrate your skills and meet people who are there because they enjoy viewing sculpture.

Gillian Govan