Ashika

Formally trained at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, Canada, Ashika was awarded a “Special Talent Visa” in 1999 that enabled him to further his career as a stone sculptor in Melbourne, Australia.

His work has been exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea (Sydney), the McClelland National Sculpture Survey, Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award, Lorne Sculpture Biennale and the National Gallery of Victoria. Ashika’s works are permanently displayed within the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens.

Other of his works are held in Bailleau and Sarah Myer’s Elgee Park as well as in their private art collection. A pair of his stone seats reside within the grounds at TarraWarra Museum and are also included in Mark and Eva Besen’s private collection in the gardens of their residence. Ashika’s sculpture was commissioned by the Pauline and John Gandel Art Collection. His work was selected for the Public Art Sculpture Collection, EastLink. Ashika has exhibited with Qdos Arts, Lorne since 2003.

“As a young man, my approach to sculpture was one of conquering stone, shaping it to my will. Over the years I have learned that stone has, in fact, been working on me. Granite, basalt and marble have taught me patience, perseverance and respect for nature. I no longer impose a vision. When creating new works I engage in a kind of rock-talk with Mother Nature. She teases, beckoning my eyes, hands and heart to always go a little deeper and farther… even when (sometimes) it makes no sense to do so. In fact my art making is a collaborative process that encompasses both the seen and the unseen. Little by little, time has smoothed the rigid, sharp edges of my stone sculpting attitude, into more of a flow where new works gradually take form. What was once an aggressive pursuit, has become a welcoming invitation. Nowadays my creative process is more of a slow dance, instead of back breaking work. I enjoy working in tandem with clients, architects and landscape designers to achieve an overall harmony within a designated setting and the art itself. My pieces are happiest resting in spots where they appear to have been there since before time began.” – Ashika