Fortitude refers to our ambition to drive ourselves and achieve our goals no matter how difficult that journey may be. But like most of my works it has a dual message. To be aware of how these ambitions may affect our environment, to balance these against the sustainable needs of our world holistically so that needs and wants can be met in an equitable way.
Creating the man and crane using paper sourced originally from a tree, then wood finally to paper in a way also reflects this process of evolution. It also refers to the fragility of our place in the world. As humans we can't help but to strive and invent, it's one of our greatest gifts but unchecked also a danger to not only us but our flora and fauna. The word 'fortitude' not only refers to our ability to strive but also to have the strength to balance our desires with the better good of our planet in the process.
Courtesy of Nanda\Hobbs
paper and arches watercolour paper, acrylic paint, transparent acetate, industrial glue, sandstone
54 x 43 x 58 cm
Finalist
Judges of the 2019 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Professor Ross Harley (Dean of the Faculty of Art & Design and UNSW Chair of Arts and Culture), Louise Herron AM (Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Opera House) and Tim Ross (Design and Architecture advocate, Broadcaster, Author and Comedian).
Download PDF (1.1 MB)