Australian sculptor Luke Zwolsman appointed manager of Griffith's 2016 Centenary Sculpture Symposium

Tuesday January 20, 2015

 

High-profile Australian sculptor Luke Zwolsman has been appointed to manage the International Sculpture Symposium, the flagship event for Griffith’s 2016 Centenary celebrations.

The two-week sculpture symposium will involve acclaimed Australian and international sculptors, resulting in a Sculpture Trail around the city.

Luke, who lives and works on the Gold Coast, has managed several International Sculpture Symposiums including Stone Song in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and Adelaide Hills in 2012 and 2014. Luke is a stone sculptor who often uses a ‘portal theme’ to reflect gateways to a new understanding of life. Many of his works have been commissioned or acquired by local governments, corporate bodies and private clientele.

In addition to his extensive experience, Luke’s knowledge, passion and friendly demeanour overwhelmingly impressed the Griffith 2016 Centenary Committee that managed the selection process.

“Luke is an impressive young sculptor with a diverse and broad background in the field and we are delighted to have him aboard this project as we start the 12-month countdown to 2016,” said Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi.

“This is the first time the city has embarked on an Arts Sculpture project of this scale in Griffith’s 99-year history and with a sculptor of Luke’s caliber leading the way, we are set for success,” Mayor Dal Broi added.

Luke said he was delighted to have the opportunity to manage the symposium, which is expected to attract sculptors from around the world.

“An international sculpture symposium is a wonderful event for any town or city as it not only brings sculpture to a community, enriching the public spaces, but it also allows the people of the community to be able to see and be part of the process of making sculpture,” said Luke, who has been a sculptor for more than 10 years.

“As a sculptor, I love the ability to emote without words, to create and see pieces but to also ‘feel’ the emotions and messages being conveyed by the artistry through a sculptor’s hands. Because of this, I am excited to see how the residents of the Griffith region will react to seeing how sculpture transforms from a raw block of stone into a beautiful artwork. The symposium is a gift in itself, allowing the community to feel connected to the works and able to feel a sense of ownership of the pieces,” he added.

The sculptors will convene in May 2016 at Pioneer Park Museum, in a specially designated area to chisel creations out of granite. Members of the public will be able to visit and watch the sculptors in action during the two weeks and a marquee will host school groups with students encouraged to try their hand at sculpting.

The sculptures will represent themes that capture the essence of the city’s Centenary and will enhance the city landscape.

The Griffith 2016 Centenary Committee invites residents to start getting involved this year. If you have questions about Griffith’s 2016 Centenary celebrations or would like to submit stories, photos or contribute in other ways, please contact Paige Campbell at the Griffith Visitors Information Centre on 1800 681 141. For more information about Luke Zwolsman, please visit http://www.sculptureinstone.com.au/.

 

 

Photo caption: High-profile Australian sculptor Luke Zwolsman has been appointed to manage the International Sculpture Symposium, the flagship event for Griffith’s 2016 Centenary celebrations. Luke is a stone sculptor who often uses a ‘portal theme’ to reflect gateways to a new understanding of life. Many of his works have been commissioned or acquired by local governments, corporate bodies and private clientele.