On Track - Spring 2020 Edition

31 How long have you been a sculptor and what are some of the most recognised sculptures you have created in the past? I have been making my way in the world as a sculptor since graduating from art school in 1985. I created my first major public commission, the ‘Weary Dunlop Memorial’ in Benalla in 1996, which I consider to be my professional debut. Other major commissions include the ‘Parade of Champions’ statues at the MCG; the Major Gen. ‘Pompey’ Elliott memorial statue in Ballarat; the National Boer War Memorial in Anzac Parade, Canberra; recently, the Nicky Winmar ‘Black and Proud’ statue at Optus Stadium, Perth. What are some of the measurements of the Winx sculpture? The statue’s overall dimensions are 4.14 metres long, 2.63 metres high, and 88 centimetres wide. The statue is cast bronze. Tell us how long the process is from to start to finish with making the Winx sculpture? The project began in April 2019 when I travelled to NSW to meet and measure Winx. Sculpting work started in September 2019 when I started by making a half life- size study of the Winx statue. This was completed by December 2019, and I began work on the full-scale (1 and 1/4 times life-size) Winx shortly after that. The full-size clay statue was completed in April 2020, moulding and bronze casting began shortly after, and it is currently in process at the foundry. Work is scheduled for completion in October 2020. What has been the biggest challenge with making the Winx sculpture? The big challenge, apart from the disciplines of anatomy and proportion, is to convincingly portray a sense of the character of both horse and rider, and even more than this, movement. Did you know much about Winx’s story before being asked to make the sculpture? Only what I had read in the papers! How did Hugh Bowman go in the measuring process for the sculpture? Hugh came to my studio with his silks, saddle, and whip and very kindly agreed to model for me, taking the pose upon a life-size fibreglass horse model that I borrowed for the occasion. I took a large number of photos, so I would have an accurate reference to work from. He was good humoured throughout the session, where I measured him from top to toe to get his proportions. He also gave me excellent advice about the proper grip of the reins. The Winx statue will take pride of place in the newly created Tote Park at The Valley. That must give you great pleasure to know that your work will live on in such a beautiful space for generations to come? Well, I always try to do my best. I only hope that I have been able to capture something of Winx’s spirit. Soon, her bronze likeness will take its place in the world, and I hope, be appreciated by lovers of racing, thoroughbreds, and art. Under construction – the statue will be a feature of Tote Park