About Wendy Black

Over the years I have explored a number of creative avenues, but sculpture has been by far the most satisfying and absorbing, it brings together many skills, and allows for endless variation.

I enjoy exploring different media particularly less traditional media such as copper, chicken wire, natural fibres. Regardless of the medium, the form of the subject is most important. Distilling the essential form to convey the character and nature of the subject is what its about.

Brancusi said ‘ It is not the outward form which is real, it is the essence of things. On this basis, it is impossible for anyone to express anything real by imitating the surface appearance.’ That sums up very well, my approach to sculpture.

CV

Wimbeldon Art School, UK. Diploma
Exeter Art School, UK, Foundation course
Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School, student and assistant to Tom

Exhibitions

Tom Bass Prize 2020  Finalist 
Clara Street Gallery  November 2017 ‘Figuratively Speaking’ A solo exhibition looking back at the development of my figurative work.
Sculptures at Killalea Finalist, awarded Peoples Choice 2016
North Sydney Art Prize 2015, finalist
Sculpture in the Gardens 2013-15,2017-19,  Winner of the Peoples Choice 2014.
Harbour Sculpture 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Peoples Choice Inside 2017, Belle Property Award 2015
Mistletoe Sculpture Prize 2012 Finalist
Portrait Artists Australia, Annual exhibition 2012, 2013 
Sculpture in the Vineyard 2010
8 Sculptors at the Exhibition Space, TBSS, 2009
Mosman Street Exhibition, 2006
Nowa Nowa Nudes 2005
Women’s Sculpture Exhibition 2000, ABC Foyer

Commissions

Shane Watson, Cootamundra Council, 2019
Dr Margaret Mittelheuser, University Queensland 2018
Guide Dog Association long service gift 2017
Anna’s Hands, Private commission 2014
Sir Donald Bradman for Sunbury Public Art project, Hume Council Victoria. 2011
Edmund Rice for Christian Bros Lewisham 2009
Ricky Ponting, Kim Hughes, Percy McDonnell, portrait busts for the Cootamundra Shire Council, Australian Cricket Captains walk, Jubilee Park, Cootamundra. 2006 - 2009
Madonna and child, commemorative gift for Christian Bros Lewisham 2007
Mr Maly, portrait bust, private commission 2007

Portrait busts

Carol Crawford 2019
Benedicta 2005 and 2013
Dr Brian Boyle CSIRO Director SKA for Aus & NZ, 2012
Margaret Olley 2011, photographed by House and Garden for January 2012 tribute
Tom Bass 2009
David 2008

Curator

Clara St Gallery 2015 - 2020
Tom Bass Prize for Figurative Sculpture 2016, 2018, 2020
Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival 2019, 2020

Teacher

2004 - currently teaching part time (Adult) workshop classes at the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School and some holiday workshops in portraiture, soapstone and alabaster.