The state of the arts

THE arts sector is facing many uphill challenges at present with controversy, politics and financial constraints an ever-present battle at upper levels. Commercially speaking, there is a shift or reset occurring in the international gallery and fair model and instability in line with the current state of world affairs.

Narrowing down and looking more locally and individually, there is a flow-on effect along the chain, and like many artists, regionally based sculptor Larissa Gray is doing it tough.

At 49 years old, Kyneton based Larissa hoped to be in a more stable position at this point, with more time to dedicate to her arts practice. Despite producing worthy and thoughtful work, so many artists, like Larissa, rely on their ‘day jobs’ to survive.

Working predominantly in bronze, Larissa creates one-off whimsical, sometimes surreal, delicate sculptures exploring dreams and nature, particularly of branches and birds and forgotten settings. Her work is distinct, unique, and requires huge trust with her foundry to cast each sculpture exactly as envisioned in bronze, as the casting process destroys the original wax and wood model.

Once cast, Larissa patinates her own sculptures, in shades of verdigris and copper influences in soft tones contributing to an otherworldly effect.

Once seen, they get under your skin, not easily Forgotten, as the title of her award-winning work from the Yering Sculpture Prize attests.

Yet despite her acknowledgement and talent, Larissa is holding down, not one, but three part time jobs right now to make ends meet, and as art sales are so hard to come by.

The desire to create, despite the financial challenges remains embedded so strongly and with a helping hand, Larissa Gray will exhibit a number of works at The Hive Gallery in Ocean Grove in its annual Sculpture Exhibition this October. This includes Storm Approaching, a recent Lethbridge Small Scale Art Award Finalist and several new works.

Show your support with a visit, and don’t miss this chance to appreciate Larissa’s impressive work locally.

Curves & Lines opens on Saturday, October 4 at 2pm. The exhibition also features George Lianos, Lucy McEachern, Bruce Webb and Aukje Van Vark and runs from October 3-26.

The Hive is at 41 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove. For more information, visit thehiveoceangrove.com.au

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