June Message

SCULPERE NEWSLETTER ASSOCIATION OF SCULPTORS OF VICTORIA INC. ABN 99 298 227 922 https://sculptorsvictoria.asn.au/

'In the Service of Sculpture'

JUNE 2022

JUNE Message

As you can see we have adopted for this issue our old newsletter heading - ‘SCULPERE” we are reminded that - ‘‘we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before”…and introducing a new vision. (Please see Committee notes for more information).

As we move into colder months we have several opportunities to exhibit and share our work creating a mark making a difference to the cultural scene in Victoria; Art on the Hill and trialling a new venue thanks to Paul and Bruce, ‘The Backyard and Garden Show ‘ another opportunity for outdoor works, you would have received an email with details from Bruce if not see ‘diary dates’ section below.

This event is an example of how important it is to talk to people who attend our exhibitions…you never know who they are and how the conversation may lead to an opportunity for yourself or the Association…Paul Cacioli was approached at MIFGS, entered into a conversation and the result is this opportunity. The Association will be actively pursuing other venues and relationships to expand our voice.

With this year's Annual Awards Exhibition we have been able to establish our relationship with the iconic Victorian Artists

Society. We intend that this relationship will advance the reputation and appreciation of our Association. We aim to hold our 2023 Annual Awards at the VAS. If we trace back to the early history of the ASV it actually began with a relationship with the VAS. It was seen that VAS didn't cover sculpture adequately so a separate organisation was needed. You can read about this on our website under the tab About ASV then History. (Or click on the handy link.)

https://sculptorsvictoria.asn.au/page/history

A final note:....

I (Gunnel) had the privilege of playing ‘tour guide’ at the Annual and in preparation for these events I happened to stumble over quotes from one of my main teachers who made a difference: Tom Bass. Do you sometimes have your teachers’ words rattle around in your head?…Well I do, …so I aim to share a quote in every Newsletter to ponder. The June Quote definitely makes a difference to my work and also when I view art:

“The truth is not to be found in the external of something”.

On behalf of the President’s Team and ASV Committee

Congratulations

Annual Awards Exhibition 2022

After a wait of three years we have opened the exhibition and held the presentation of awards for our Annual and Awards Exhibition 2022.

Our new venue, in the main galleries of the Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne has not only its historic beauty to recommend it but also hydronic heating - all those who have shivered in city building foyers sitting or visiting our exhibitions will appreciate the warmth of the building and the warmth of our support from the Society and staff.

Congratulations to all sculptors who have participated to create a fabulous exhibition

and the volunteers who make it happen.

Sales so far bode well - five as of 14th June and voting in the People’s Choice Award demonstrates an interested public. The exhibition in the gallery is supported by the online exhibition which has picked up a few people’s choice votes but no sales as yet. Each work has a QR code on the label to link to extensive information and the opportunity to refer back to the work, vote for it or purchase online afterwards... or at the show.

Judging team

Our honorary judge and speaker at the opening was Lisa Byrne, Director of the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery. The panel of judges comprised Lisa Byrne, Gunnel Watkins (Presidential Team) and Drasko Boljevic.

Tina Wentcher Sculpture Award for Sculptors with fewer than ten years sculpting experience

First Prize

In, from and with - Pattie Beerens

Contemporary, Unique and Timely.

The piece bridges concept art, installation and 3D.

Connection to land stand alone abstract figurative work. Powerful, soulful and organic.

Delicately formed armature using a variety of materials to form an organic structure both abstracted and figurative in reference. Expert use of sensibility with regards to materials.

The artist's statement regarding this work painted a picture and loudly communicated the creation of the work and enhanced the experience.

Second Prize

The Thoroughbred – Meg Hodge

White perfection in form. A strong sculpture, high level of skill. The artwork stands on its own as a complete work.

Highly Commended

Chinese Dragon – Corrado Rizza

From creating mediaeval armour to exploring mythical creatures. A blacksmith turned sculptor…. adapting existing skills to new ventures. The level of skill to produce the scales on this dragon is commendable.

Congratulations to the Winners

Valda Cuming Memorial Award

Whoops-A-Daisy - Jane Alcorn

A wonderful comical movement at play on what we know is not achievable. Balanced and poised so expertly, with beautiful skilled rendering in materials used. When we all laughed we unanimously understood that the work we had chosen fit the context of ‘fun, quirky and making us smile’. Look out for the googly eyes!

Lost – Aukje Van Vark

A Don Quixote resembling figure lost and tired looking for meaning of life. Superb use of material, fragile, evocative and strong composition. Great use of positive and negative space. Both wonderfully languishing in sentiment and elegant in form…a highly relatable sculpture.

Art Almanac - 12 months Subscription

Moria Shlomit - MoniqueQuirky, carved rendering of wonderful everyday characters. Sense of person and humour in depiction. A contemporary work using traditional methods. An inhabitant of nature and urban folklore standing proud looking into the distance….and maybe the future.

Environment / Wildlife Sculpture Prize

Owl - Hank Tyler

Looking backwards, an owl standing on a hill carved in timber. Resemblance of a tribal mask. Skilled use of technique and relationship with subject and materials. Producing an exquisite form depicting the original materials through the carved form of an owl. The timber used, Osage Orange, requires skill and attention to detail.

Dalchem Pty Ltd Prize

Todd Stuart – Entangled Mirror Flower

A stimulating, fluid, dancing ribbon like form, expertly resolved to evoke natural forms, scientific symbols and more. The artist's statement created an interface between science and the spirit! When particles are entangled, they continue to mirror each other, even separated by cosmic distance. Beautifully executed and presented.

The Margaret Gunnersen William Hoggan Thomas Award for member sculptors with greater than 10 years sculpting experience

Awarded on the vote of the exhibiting members.

Congratulations to all prize winners - and indeed to all exhibitors on a well presented and accomplished exhibition.

Diary Dates & Committee Notes

Diary Dates

Tuesday 28 June: Dismantle AAE 2022 10:00-3:00pm (email sent)

Victoria Sculpture Prize: 28 October to 1 November: @ Port of Sale

Entries open – Monday 4 August (Tbc) Entries close – Monday 3 October

VAS Committee meeting: Wednesday 3rd August 7:30pm

November: ASV AGM TBC

Art on the Hill:

Venue: Mont De Lancey Homestead, 71 wellington Road, Wandin North, 3139 Exhibition: Saturday the 10th to Sunday 11th of September between 10.00am and 4.00pm

Key Dates: Entries open : 1st of July Entries Close: 22nd of August

Up to 3 pieces of work can be submitted. These can be a combination of 2D and 3D pieces but at least one 3D work must be submitted. There is a $25.00 charge per entry but there is no commission on sales. Works must be capable of being displayed inside. Works must be easily handled by one person. There is no provision for moving equipment such as forklifts.

More information later

Committee Notes:

At our June Committee meeting we agreed on a new vision statement that aims to express our intention as an Association in the present. We also took on the job of defining ‘core business’. Not an easy task as there is always so much we could do; but we agreed that our core business is exhibitions, and we do this well. The ‘would like to do’ sometimes has to fall off the agenda due to limited resources….so here it is (drum roll !…).

The Association of Sculptors of Victoria

'In the service of Sculpture'

The Association of Sculptors of Victoria is a not-for-profit collective of contemporary artists whose purpose is to inspire, stimulate and advance the appreciation, creation and exploration of three-dimensional art in society.

We have also worked on a list of the services we can provide members at the present time. This will be included on our website under our members section. As an Association and representing Committee we seek to promote the culture of the visual arts for both members and non-members of the Victorian Community.

To this end we:

Create and coordinate opportunities to showcase work and champion sculptors by means of support and exhibitions.

Create and manage promotional avenues through the Association’s website, newsletter and social media, including online community exposure and engagement.

Expand and support skills development through demonstrations, mentorship, studio visits, forums, and workshops.

Manage relationships and create networking opportunities with like minded peers to share and expand common interests.

Support artists’ moral rights and advocate a professional attitude.

Member Opportunities

MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES

We have an exhibition opportunity at The Backyard and Garden Show.

We are limited to approximately 12 sculptures, so first in best dressed. Our stand is 12 metres x 3 metres. We can have both freestanding works as well as works on plinths. Please bear in mind that this is for outdoor sculptures. Sculptures can be a maximum of H 2M x W 1M x D 1M.

Entries are open now. Entries close July 1st.

If your sculpture is suitable and within the guidelines, you will be notified by email and arrangements will be made for delivery.

There will be no sitting requirements, but extra hands would be appreciated.There is no cost for this event, Paul Cacioli was approached at MIFGS and we were offered this opportunity for nothing.

Everyone can submit 2 works, depending on how many applications, that might be reduced to 1. Please email bdajwebb@gmail.com or phone me on 0431492720.

Bruce Webb

Presidential Team

VICTORIA SCULPTURE PRIZE 2022 –

Yey! We can celebrate and declare that the exhibition is going ahead – we congratulate Gavin on his extraordinary efforts for making this happen again in 2022. This article is giving you the heads up so we can do some serious planning.The event will be held in the Port of Sale on 28 October – 1 November 2022

The ASV and Wellington Shire Council will be partnering again to present the second Victoria Sculpture Prize (VSP). This 5-day event will be an opportunity for

sculptors both local and from across Victoria to connect, network and exhibit their work in a creative regional location. The Victoria Sculpture Prize will be a festival style arts spectacle combining the new state of the art Port of Sale precinct and the sculpture within the Botanical Gardens.

An event unmatched by any other region in the State. The Victoria Sculpture Price is a unique opportunity tailor made for an interactive arts event highlighting Sales’ public spaces and creating tourism. Entries open – Monday 4 August Entries close – Monday 3 October

More about bump-in and planned events in our coming Newsletter.

Committee Members & More Opportunities

More Art Opportunities

The Spirit of the Land Lockhart is holding its sculpture festival again this year and encourages all artists to enter with prize money from $10,000 and multiple categories with $1000 prize money. Check out the website at www.spiritofthelandlockhart.com.au

Winton Wetlands Sculpture opens Winton Wetlands' sculpture walk celebrating Yorta Yorta artists opens - ABC News

Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award – Entries close July 1, 2022smallsculpture…for more information email or follow their social media for more detailhttps://deakin.snapforms.com.au/form/2022-deakin-university-contemporary-small-sculpture-entry-form

FAC Open Exhibition Competition – Entries close July 2022 https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Home

Fortyfivedownstairs – Exhibition proposals- Applications close July 10, 2022

National Capital Art Prize – Entries close June 30 https://nationalcapitalartprize.com.au/

Pro Hart Outback Art Prize Entries close August 11 https://www.bhartgallery.com.au/Home

The Woollahra (Sydney) Small Sculpture Art Prize Entries close July 8 https://sculptureprize.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/

Members’ News

Marynes Avila is thrilled to share that she has won the 2022 Mount Eliza Sculpture Trail Prize and the $2000 Toorak

Congratulations Marynes, well done.

Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors

The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors