A few days ago, we wandered down to Cottesloe for a beach walk, only to stumble across a woman frantically tapping at a giant rust-coloured edifice.
“That’s April Pine,” said Pete excitedly.
This diminutive sculptor has carved quite a name for herself for her spectacular statues and her latest effort, of two figures dancing, is no exception.
April was there of course for the annual Sculpture By the Sea exhibition. I think my favourite part of the whole thing is the day before the exhibition officially opens, when you see the artists like April, and energetic volunteers, working frantically to ensure their beloved works look just so, that it all goes swimmingly.
For April, being part of this annual showcase of sculptures sur mer in recent years has helped propel her to recognition in Australia and beyond for her wonderful metallic works. (Many Cott regulars would be very familiar with her figure of a surfer holding his board down by the beach at south Cottesloe.)
This year, the 17th Sculpture By the Sea exhibition, has some wonderful offerings, including “Structural Wave”, an eight metre, six tonne structure made of scaffold, perched at the end of the Cottesloe groyne. For that, WA artist Jarrod Taylor won the prestigious $10,000 West australian Sculptor Scholarship. “This will allow me to develop future works that were only dreams and concepts prior to getting this award,” said the grateful Taylor.
In all, 34 WA artists are showcasing their works this year, alongside 11 interstate and 25 international artworks; no mean feat in this pandemic era!
Sculpture By The Sea runs until March 22.
We got back just in time to enjoy it, after a wonderful trip in Tassie. Pete has written about our delightful road trip to Launceston in this issue of The Starfish.
We also bring you a delicious recipe from Sydney-based, Italian cook Silvia Colloca for Roasted Chilli and Crab Crostini.
And Margot and Ros have the reviewed the latest films.
Enjoy.
Jacqui and Pete