Art2Muse

Gareth Graham carves beautiful figurative sculptures from Huon pine. On a larger piece, 25 hours of hand sanding after the machine and chisel finish is accomplished brings the timber to a remarkable, almost iridescent surface where slight variations and details in the grain become a fascinating study in themselves. Gareth is availble for commissions.

Artist Statement

My works are essentially about gesture. With figurative art it is, I believe, the first thing that captures the imagination....what is the figure conveying through gesture? With my sculptures I allow an interplay between implicit detail and the sudden truncation or dissolving back into the natural timber to prompt the audience to explore different possibilities in the emotional and physical states of being of the figure.

My work is also very much about beauty. I want to create pieces that are harmoniously proportioned and that through line and shape there is a sense of ease for the viewer. The places where I have left the natural defects or surface of the timber become a means by which the highly finished areas are enhanced through the contrast set up between the two. An important part of the overall appearance of the work is the light coloured timber used.

Huon pine has, for me, in many cases a resemblance to marble where it is almost possible to detect a transparence or luminosity through the often extremely fine grain and high oil content. On a larger piece, 25 hours of hand sanding after the machine and chisel finish is accomplished brings the timber to a remarkable, almost iridescent surface where slight variations and details in the grain become a fascinating study in themselves.
- Gareth Graham

Studies

• Attended Newcastle Waldorf School until year 10. Completed years 11&12 through self tuition at the Waldorf School.
• Started Bachelor of Fine Art degree at University of Newcastle in 2001
• Completed degree, June 2004, majoring in ceramics with painting and drawing
• Began B.F.A. Honours degree in July 2004
• Took leave of absence for 2005
• Commenced final semester of Honours degree Feb. 2006

Travel

• Travelled to UK and Italy for 5 weeks in 1998
• Travelled again for to Europe in 2000. France, Germany and London.

Exhibitions

• Year 12 artwork selected as part of the 1999 travelling ArtExpress exhibition
• Selected as part of the Graduating Student's Exhibition at the Inner City Clayworkers Gallery, Sydney Jan. 2004
• Participated in group show at Tighes Hill Gallery. The Christmas Charity exhibition 2004
• Participated in ceramic survey show Thoughts Brought Forth By Our Hands at Watt Space, May 2005
• Held Solo Show of woodcarving at Tighes Hill Gallery, Aug. 2005
• Have work in The Art Lounge, Sydney, from Nov. 2005- April 2006
• Art2Muse, Simmer on the Bay, Sydney June 2006

Competitions

• Received commendation for work at the Newcastle Regional Show Art Competition, sculpture category. 2003
• Highly commended in Mattara Sculpture competition 2003
• Winner of Newcastle Regional Show Art Competition, sculpture category, 2004
• Winner of Newcastle Regional Show Art Competition, sculpture category, 2005
• Second prize in the Mattara Sculpture Competition, figurative category, 2005

Commissions

• Undertook carving commission for the Great Northern Hotel mantle piece, 1999
• Produced illustrations for educational material for the Engaging fathers project, 2003
• Undertook commission by John Hunter Hospital to create wall murals for the Day Stay Ward, 2004
• Undertook commission for a large painting for Universal Financial Planning for a promotion, 2004
• Have done several private commissions both painting and carving

Collections

• Represented in The William Wilkins Memorial Art Collection with year 12 art work
• Represented in the Peter Berry Collection, Newcastle
• Represented in the Trevor Solomon's Collection, Sydney
• Have works in several other private collections in both Sydney and Newcastle

Relevant Employment

• Have been teaching art at Newcastle Waldorf School part time since 2000, years 6-10

Scholarships

• Joint winner of the 2006 Jennie Thomas Travelling Scholarship for fine arts honours students of University of Newcastle

Commissions available

Contact Katrina Hampton 0424809849 / +61 2 9697 3299