Gareth Graham’s sculptural practice revolves around the human form. He is interested in how personal experiences and associations are inextricably linked to our perception of the figure, making each interpretation slightly different. His figures are an attempt to express human experiences, thoughts and feelings and he wants them to operate through association and to connect with people on an emotional/empathetic level. Where the natural material creates fragmented or partial forms, Gareth is keen to leave room for the imagination, the intention, to avoid overt meaning, preferring ambiguity in the abstract possibilities within the generally traditional or classical style.
The figures are at once realistic yet also sculptural interpretations, the surface treatment and inclusion of natural defects in the timber removing them from literal representation. For this reason, process is central to his practice. Gareth wants the viewer to be aware of this process and to appreciate it as part of the artwork yet at the same time only seeing the finished surfaces. However, to take a page out of Ricky Swallow’s book, he also wants the audiences’ awareness of time spent in the studio to add significance to the viewing experience.
Biography
Gareth Graham was born in Newcastle in 1980 and attended the Newcastle Waldorf School until completing high school in 1999 and at which he is currently employed as a high school art teacher.
He commenced a Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the University of Newcastle in 2001 and completed a Bachelor of Fine Art Honours Degree (1st class) in 2006, majoring in ceramic sculpture.
Gareth has exhibited in Newcastle since 2003 and held his first solo show at Tighes Hill Gallery in 2005. Since then he has also produced work for both group and solo exhibitions in Sydney. Solo exhibitions at Harvey Galleries By the Sea in 2013 and Paternal in 2019 are among these. He is currently represented by Harvey Galleries. His works are also currently available at the Bungendore Woodworks Gallery.
His works are included in collections in the Newcastle Region Gallery, the William Wilkins Memorial Art Collection, John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals as well as being represented in several private collections within Australia and abroad.
In 2006 Gareth won the Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship as an honours student in fine art which gave him the opportunity to spend time travelling in Europe between April and June, 2007. As part of the scholarship he visited Italy where he undertook a course in marble carving in Carrara at the Arco Arte Studio. This opportunity provided the basis for his ongoing interest and desire to work in the exquisite Carrara marble.
About
The work
Gareth Graham’s sculptural practice revolves around the human form. He is interested in how personal experiences and associations are inextricably linked to our perception of the figure, making each interpretation slightly different. His figures are an attempt to express human experiences, thoughts and feelings and he wants them to operate through association and to connect with people on an emotional/empathetic level. Where the natural material creates fragmented or partial forms, Gareth is keen to leave room for the imagination, the intention, to avoid overt meaning, preferring ambiguity in the abstract possibilities within the generally traditional or classical style.
The figures are at once realistic yet also sculptural interpretations, the surface treatment and inclusion of natural defects in the timber removing them from literal representation. For this reason, process is central to his practice. Gareth wants the viewer to be aware of this process and to appreciate it as part of the artwork yet at the same time only seeing the finished surfaces. However, to take a page out of Ricky Swallow’s book, he also wants the audiences’ awareness of time spent in the studio to add significance to the viewing experience.
Biography
Gareth Graham was born in Newcastle in 1980 and attended the Newcastle Waldorf School until completing high school in 1999 and at which he is currently employed as a high school art teacher.
He commenced a Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the University of Newcastle in 2001 and completed a Bachelor of Fine Art Honours Degree (1st class) in 2006, majoring in ceramic sculpture.
Gareth has exhibited in Newcastle since 2003 and held his first solo show at Tighes Hill Gallery in 2005. Since then he has also produced work for both group and solo exhibitions in Sydney. Solo exhibitions at Harvey Galleries By the Sea in 2013 and Paternal in 2019 are among these. He is currently represented by Harvey Galleries. His works are also currently available at the Bungendore Woodworks Gallery.
His works are included in collections in the Newcastle Region Gallery, the William Wilkins Memorial Art Collection, John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals as well as being represented in several private collections within Australia and abroad.
In 2006 Gareth won the Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship as an honours student in fine art which gave him the opportunity to spend time travelling in Europe between April and June, 2007. As part of the scholarship he visited Italy where he undertook a course in marble carving in Carrara at the Arco Arte Studio. This opportunity provided the basis for his ongoing interest and desire to work in the exquisite Carrara marble.