Russell is delighted to be showing at QDOS, after a long relationship with Graham since the gallery’s early beginnings on the Lorne beachfront.
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.
Russell’s fascination lies in transforming hard metals to art forms, capturing movement, beauty and life, consistently producing works reflecting his relationship with the land and the pursuit of his place and serenity within it.
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.
This exhibition is a culmination of personal achievement. A small snapshot of the artist’s long and varied career.
Sailing Ship copper and mild steel 1000x480x970mm
The Pram mild steel 1025x430x770mm
Sketch after Rubi mild steel 470x380x420mm
Wren / Vine mild steel 400x780x160mm
Peacock mild steel 160x240x70mm
Dolphin Man mild steel
Scissor Birds mild steel 770x300x190mm
Look where the Light is Best 270 x 230 x 200 mm
Beach Landscape mild steel 680x870x45mm