Born in Melbourne, Russell studied civil engineering at Melbourne University. Moving to Central Victoria in 1970 to engage in full time sculptural practice.
Russell had his first exhibition in 1972 at The Argyle Art Gallery, Sydney.
Fifty-five years later, Russell still works full time as a sculptor, living and working from his 40-acre property, a sanctuary of indigenous flora and fauna, wrapped within the edge of the Wombat forest. The environment’s immense beauty and tranquility has graciously lent its best to some of the sculptural themes of his projects, ever influencing and enhancing his work.
The Yandoit studio is humble in equipment, a steel table, angle grinders, and a vice the prominent equipment. Each piece is handmade, exposing the artist’s complete understanding of his medium: steel, stainless steel, silver, and gold.
The work bridges multiple genres. From sculptural art pieces to functional sculpture, eclectic jewellery, to large scale sculptural installations.
The majestic seven-meter ‘Dance of the Brolgas’ stands proudly housed in the atrium of The Capital Building, Collins Street, Melbourne.