THE 26th Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi opened on October 18 and is the world’s largest free to the public outdoor sculpture exhibition and includes some works by artists who are part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail too.
This year’s Bondi exhibition includes artworks by 22 artists who are part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail who are from China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Australian artists from New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Philip Spelman, a double-decade artist at Sculpture by the Sea and exhibiting artist in the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, shared his thoughts.
“Seeking place is universal,” he said.
“Whether you’re an artist, an audience member, a traveller, or a local, discovering a place is invaluable. I’ve visited the Snowy Valleys more times in the last three years than Bondi in the last 25. Both areas embody the beauty of Australia – sunshine and snow, chaos and calm – making Sculpture a perfect fit for both.”
Tony Davis, recipient of the 2022 Aqualand Award and exhibiting artist in the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, added, “when David Handley told me my sculpture, ‘Folly Interstice’, had been generously gifted by Aqualand to The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, especially because of my being a regional artist, I was delighted.
“Having attended the launch of it and several other excellent sculptures by Sculpture by the Sea artists earlier this year, I realised just how fantastic the Snowy Valley Sculpture Trail project was and how it was embraced by the communities affected by the recent savage fires in their efforts to recovery in that area.
“The setting for the latest sculptures at Laurel Hill is quite stunning and forms a magnificent backdrop to the sculptures there and I envisage it being a great attraction for many years to come.”
Sasha Reid, ninth time exhibitor at Sculpture by the Sea and exhibiting artist in the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, said, “it’s gratifying to be in Sculpture by the Sea again in this year, exhibiting my sculpture, ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’ which echoes my work in the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, ‘Composition #14’.”
“For art and nature fans the Snowy Valley Sculpture trail is a must-see. The scale and breadth of the artworks is a testament to the advisory team and the popularity is proof of the global appeal of sculpture. I think I can speak for all artists, that we especially love to have our work on permanent display, for more people to enjoy, in the company of other inspiring works. The inspiration for my current piece at Sculpture by the Sea stands true.
“We are never alone, what we achieve is always part of something that has come before. If we are lucky we stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Throughout the Bondi exhibition an estimated 450,000 people are expected to visit and explore the 100 artworks along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.
The event not only highlights incredible talent but also serves as a vital marketing platform for the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.
Several of the artists will visit the Snowy Valleys to engage with the community and appreciate the local art scene.
