Sculpture On The Edge 2021

Overall Winner 2021

“The overall winner of Sculpture On The Edge 2021 is Chris McKenzie.

The immediately stunning sculpture Rusty Red Echidna is clearly a strong environmental statement. Its size, shape and design, portray the subject clearly in a strong, naturalistic way with innovative use of repurposed local materials.

The subject of the work is site specific on many levels: The Echidna is endemic to the Blackall Ranges and the work raises the profile of this unique Australian monotreme. Protective emotions are evoked by its vulnerable pose with inner curled up in birthing position, in sharp contrast to its defensive outer surface. The outer armour is made with repurposed regional railway spikes embedded into the locally found Blue Gum timber which has been highly polished and which incidentally surprises the senses with its earthy aroma. The rounded shape resonates universally with the circle of life in perfect empathy with a setting made for reflective contemplation of nature.”
Chris McKenzieOverall Winner 2021

Artist Lineup for 2021

Alan Stupples

Beatrice Prost

Bep van Ginkel

Blair Garland & Russell Solomon

Cam Crossley

Carol Weir

Chris McKenzie

Christian Newton

Claudia Hickel

Colleen Lavender

Conny Van Lint

David Sanders

Denise Lamby

Finn Cossar

Frederick Beel

Gabe Parker

Henk Troost

Jason Sank

Jenny McElhinney

Jill Braiden

Jodi Casey

John Anthony Forno

Jules McCrae

Karen Lynch

Laura Vecmane

Mela Cooke

Miles Allen

parthenopi

Raeann Shields

Randy DeGraw

Richard Eggleston

Shiloh Perry

Sophy Blake

Stephen Newton

Tina Cooper

Trebor (aka Rob Stephenson)

Trevor Irvine

Victoria Chapman

Judges for 2021

Robyn Muche, Ferre De Deyne and Nicole Voevodin Cash

Official Award Winners 2021

FIRST PLACE

RUSTY RED ECHIDNA
Chris McKenzie

The work is balanced and interesting from all sides. The focal point at the front is accentuated by the clean shape of the tucked in head in suggesting the soft highly polished & smooth underbelly of the animal. The curve of the back provides a very pleasing oval shape which works well as an independent composition, as it does being part of the whole. Likewise is the case with the two side angles. The contrasting base platform of rough, jagged matte stone, as a termite mound may appear after a digging foray by a strong Echidna, also enhances the work with its matte finish and neutrality. The imaginative use of the railway spikes embedded into the roughly textured outer surface imply tough Echidna spines. They also provide the viewer with a pattern of gorgeous chiaroscuro effects with shapes, patterns & patinas upon which the eye can play upon and which will become even more enhanced with the effects of age. In contrast, is the polished surface of the inner animal with wood grain worked to best advantage.This large, heavy work has been laboriously rendered by the sculptor using tools with great strength, skill and precision reflecting quality craftsmanship. It is balanced and stable. Innovative techniques have been applied such as the almost imperceptible allowance for removal of strategic parts for insertion of safe, portable lifting devices. By way of its composition of an alluring mix of wood, steel and stone, assimilated together in a mesmerising feast of curves, light, shade and texture the sculpture conveys its intent with great eloquence and success.

COMMENDED PRIZE

ALONE
Stephen Newton

This work stands out as being striking in its simplicity. It is perfectly placed amidst the forest garden at the entrance to the restaurant building.

The artist has used charred black forest timber to portray a tall humanistic figure, beautiful in stature. It has a beautifully smooth facade behind which the evidence of much hacking and uneven unbalanced forms which could easily be missed or hidden if time is not taken to stop and explore. The imaginative use of material of this piece is outstanding.

EMERGING ARTIST

EMBLEM
Parthenopi

Set amidst a carpet of Irises this bright apparition of pink presents as an eye stopping emblem of tribute to the Cook Town Orchid, Queensland’s floral emblem. Acting as a light & bright messenger, It’s creative, innovative concoction of upscaled plastic elements including spades & squirters, are meshed together in a very harmonious formal floral composition, which also has a wild side. In a beautifully entertaining way the viewer is drawn to appreciate the structure of the orchid whilst simultaneously being reminded about the damage which may wrought by careless disposal of plastic.