Editor's Quote and President's Letter for August

"Where did I learn to understand sculpture? In the woods by looking at the trees, along roads by observing the formation of clouds, in the studio by studying the model, everywhere except in the schools.” 

Auguste Rodin

This is a difficult letter to write. While many of us were preparing to exhibit at the Eltham Rotary Art Show, and others were choosing work to offer at Mont De Lancey, I received the shocking news that our friend and colleague, Susie Ashkenazi had died suddenly at her home on 12th August - just like that - someone we knew as lively, radiant and creative, suddenly gone.

We reach out to each other to comfort and to grieve. Life is fleeting - make the most of your family and friends, your talent and your joys. Mourn a while for what we have lost and celebrate what we had and what we have of beauty in the world.

Vale Susie.

Later in the newsletter you’ll see sculptors’ successes at Eltham, the preparations for Mont De Lancey and for the Toorak Village Sculpture Exhibition - congratulations everyone.

Also as you know we started setting up the sub committee for the 2025 Annual & Awards Exhibition - the first meeting was successful in starting a framework for organisation. Future (online) meetings will be announced to all members in case any of you wish to contribute ideas, plans or offers of help at any stage. We are looking forward to this consolidation of our urban presence in mid winter... and beyond that we’ll explore the possibilities as they offer to celebrate sculpture wherever we can.

Yours in Sculpting

Jenny Rickards, President