Local artist Damien Lucus has a piece of his work that will be displayed at the prestigious Sculptures in the Garden event in Mudgee from 10 to 25 October.
The exhibition hosts around 300 artworks from local, regional and interstate artists in the landscapes of Rosby vineyard gardens and gallery. Damien also had a piece in the recent Swell Sculpture Festival on Currumbin Beach.
Speaking to The Echo, Damien said that when he took his first life drawing classes in Bathurst ‘my teacher one day said that I drew like a sculptor. I had no idea what that meant. So when I asked him about that, he directed me towards (Australian sculptor) Tom Bass, who became my teacher for a good 12 years while I worked alongside him.’
Damien was working out of Lismore for 12 years before moving to the Byron Arts and Industry Estate seven years ago and setting up a studio.
‘I felt like there’s more opportunity here in Byron. I was feeling a bit landlocked in Lismore, so it is really good being close to the coast.’
Damien said his piece, Evolution, for Sculptures in the Garden was a spin-off from a private commission in which he has introduced more curved edges.
‘I’ve exhibited with Sculptures in the Garden a few times now and done stone-carving workshops. They’re very welcoming and warm. So I’m always happy to exhibit with them.’
Damien primarily creates his sculptures in clay and plaster.
‘Mostly once I’ve done the clay model, I cast it into plaster and refine it. From there I would prepare it for bronzing.’
As the complexity and size of a piece increases the mould-making becomes more complex.
‘It’s more the hours that go into it than the actual material that increases the cost. Generally, I would only get a bronze done if there was a client who was interested or it was a commission.’
Drop in
Damien has a gallery of his work at the entrance to his studio at 12 Tasman Way, Byron Arts and Industry Estate, and says people are welcome to drop in and enjoy his work. For more information, see: www.damienlucassculpture.com.
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