Sculpere Newsletter: Victoria Sculpture Prize at the Port of Sale

sunshine

and rain

The exhibition was amazing!

And that in spite of the weather and re-locating the work about four times... Gavin Roberts coordinated a superb event and that’s the first time the Victoria Sculpture Prize has been offered. A magnificent effort and the sculptors put on their best show.

See below for the prize winners and the judges’ comments.

Congratulations everyone.

Andre Sardone "Shimmering Penny Tree"

detail

1. $20,000 Wellington Shire Acquisitive Landscape Sculpture Prize
67. Andre Sardone
Shimmering Penny Tree

The judges felt that this work would be right at home in the Sale Botanic Gardens, as a robust and beautiful sculpture that will inspire and delight visitors to the gardens. The tree sculpture is particularly effective with its glittering leaf forms that catch the light and the sensory component with the sound. The back story with the dedication to the artist's mother was also most affecting. The work stands on its own merit and is unique in its design and execution.

Judging Criteria: 5 elements of artistic expression:

1. INHERENT MEANING - the sculpture is congruent with the title and fulfills the intent (i.e. interpretation and clarity of theme/ category).

2. SKILL AND TECHNIQUE - unique and effective use of chosen materials and overall execution of project; sustainability (i.e. fitness for purpose).

3. QUALITY OF ARTISTIC COMPOSITION – overall design based on the theme, balance, and use of positive & negative space from all intended visible sides i.e. there is continuity of form when viewed in the round.

4. UNIQUENESS – creativity and originality of the depicted theme - unique use of materials, concept, design, pushing boundaries, original.

5. STANDS ON ITS OWN - overall impression of the art work. What is the effect of the artwork in general and as a whole? i.e. does the artwork stand on its own as a complete and outstanding work of art?

Simon Gregg Director, Gippsland Art Gallery;

Tim Rowe, Manager Natural Environment & Parks, WSC;

Gunnel Watkins, Presidential Team ASV

2. $5,000 Acquisition Wildlife Sculpture Prize
172. Kate Shone
Sea Swirl 2

Kate Shone "Sea Swirl 2"

The sculpture made a good use of its materials to simulate the effects of water and seaweed. The work invites close inspection and reveals itself slowly. At first the fish, discarded bottle and face mask are not visible but once they become apparent the meaning of the work becomes clear, and it makes a strong environmental statement. The work is technically very well executed and is very effective as a piece of three dimensional sculpture. The content and meaning of the work is also very timely and speaks loudly of the environmental challenges we face.

detail

3. $1000 NON Acquisition Prize for "Best Endangered Wildlife" Gippsland CARE Group

81. Chris Anderson

Sea Dragon

The artwork is extremely well conceived and executed with its use of eucalyptus hard wood. The sea dragon and surrounding sea bed has a sense of dynamism and flow that carries us into the narrative. The idea of the sea dragon being a master of disguise is very clever and is realised to great effect within the sculpture. It reflects strongly on the theme of the endangered species as something that is disappearing before our eyes, and speaks to the intention of the category.

Chris Anderson "Sea Dragon"

detail

Chris Anderson unloading his work

The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Mark Niglia with “Yorke” with runner up Chris Anderson’s “Wally the Wedge Tailed Eagle” seen above arriving at the exhibition and below in full pounce.