Last year Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, the annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, was cut short due to Covid. I’m so pleased to report that it returns for a 17th year. The famous white sands of Cottesloe’s beach will become an open air gallery from 5 – 22 March, 2021. So what can we expect?
This year will see seventy works from 13 countries including, Czech Republic, Denmark, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, USA and Australia. This includes works from 34 Western Australian sculptors.
The recipient of the $10,000 Western Australian Sculptor Scholarship was Jarrod Taylor with his giant 8m high “Structural Wave” which is “growing from the earth and reaching into the uncharted environment”. The scholarship provides invaluable support for the advancement of the artist’s career, including the opportunity to travel and study their craft.
Taylor said, “Being selected to receive the West Australian Sculptor scholarship is overwhelming and a great honour. This will allow me to develop future works that were only dreams and concepts prior to getting this award. My appreciation goes out to Sculpture by the Sea, the donors and all the Scafwest team involved in making this sculpture a possibility. “
Both a scaffolder and a surfer, who studied Fine Art at Claremont School of Art, you can understand his inspiration. I do wonder if he is a tad psychic though given the recent Tsunami in New Zealand. His acceptance speech will be up later on the new The Ponder Room TV channel on YouTube.
Some of the ones that got my attention were:
Starting with the delightful “Dream of Cyprus” featured at the top of this post, by Japanese artist Savako, who states that creating is like an adventure that transcends time. I can see this one being a favourite with the kids.
“Heads It Is” by Paul Caporn, a commentary on rethinking how we memorialize moments and people in history. I quite like the idea of instead of trashing monuments, we turn them upside down as a constant reminder.
“Floating- Grounded Figure” by Greg Johns, showing two cultures (that could be rocks or wings) affect the final shape.
“Home Made” by Denise Pepper, referencing how in lockdown we were staying home and baking. An ode to pressed tin baking dishes.
“Mantle” by Tania Spencer, a fine copper wire piece that aims to “hover over and protect you”. I can see this one gracing many a fine outdoor dining area.
“Foci” by Karl Meyer, which is indicative of natural process of reflection an form.
In contrast the detailed headless wood carving “Wandoo Mantle” by Tony Davis, stating that vandalised stone statues retain a strength of presence.
As usual the sculptures are spread across the beach which is an added bonus for the step counters amongst us.
This year the show also comes with added Covid Marshals
I also really liked the merchandise – who doesn’t want a new image on their wall each month?
For more information go to Sculpture By The Sea. The full list of artists can be found here. If you go please, please, please donate so the exhibition can continue next year.
The 18-day exhibition has a COVID Event Plan in place.
