Artist's statement
My sculpture is the result of my fascination with form. I create organic shapes, contrasting smooth curves with sharp edges, producing light and shade and encouraging the viewer to study the piece from all sides.
I strive for flow, balance and harmony in my work, aiming to evoke feelings through form rather than obvious representation of concepts.
The pieces often suggest human or plant forms, whether this was my conscious intention or not. Because the forms are simple, the details - like sharp edges, clean corners and use of texture - are vital to the overall work.
I enjoy working in natural materials, particularly Mt Gambier limestone as its colour and texture suit the simple forms I create and contrast wonderfully against foliage in the garden. The material can be worked with hand tools so the process is quiet and meditative, without the barriers of noisy power tools, gloves, goggles and earmuffs isolating the sculptor from the stone.
I like to feel the curves as much as see them. I work with the sculpture on a turntable which I find critical to easily view the piece from different angles, using the light to reveal curves and edges.
The entire process is important to me. The initial idea, translating this to the stone, developing the form as the work progresses, fine tuning the shapes and finishing the piece. When a work is complete it is pleasing to see it in its new home, bringing enjoyment to the new owner.
I strive for flow, balance and harmony in my work, aiming to evoke feelings through form rather than obvious representation of concepts.
The pieces often suggest human or plant forms, whether this was my conscious intention or not. Because the forms are simple, the details - like sharp edges, clean corners and use of texture - are vital to the overall work.
I enjoy working in natural materials, particularly Mt Gambier limestone as its colour and texture suit the simple forms I create and contrast wonderfully against foliage in the garden. The material can be worked with hand tools so the process is quiet and meditative, without the barriers of noisy power tools, gloves, goggles and earmuffs isolating the sculptor from the stone.
I like to feel the curves as much as see them. I work with the sculpture on a turntable which I find critical to easily view the piece from different angles, using the light to reveal curves and edges.
The entire process is important to me. The initial idea, translating this to the stone, developing the form as the work progresses, fine tuning the shapes and finishing the piece. When a work is complete it is pleasing to see it in its new home, bringing enjoyment to the new owner.
CV
EXHIBITIONS
Annual and Awards Exhibition - Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) 2006 - 2018
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition - ASV 2007 - 2019
Herring Island Sculpture Exhibition - ASV 2007 - 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019
Tesselaar Sculpture Prize finalist 2008 - 2012, 2016 - 2018
Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition 2015, 2017
Toorak Village Sculpture Exhibition 2009, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019
Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition 2019
Annual and Awards Exhibition - Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) 2006 - 2018
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition - ASV 2007 - 2019
Herring Island Sculpture Exhibition - ASV 2007 - 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019
Tesselaar Sculpture Prize finalist 2008 - 2012, 2016 - 2018
Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition 2015, 2017
Toorak Village Sculpture Exhibition 2009, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019
Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition 2019
AWARDS
2018 - Tesselaar Sculpture Prize
2018 - CMP Stonemasons Supplies Award, ASV Annual and Awards Exhibition, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne
2016 - First Place, carved sculpture, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition
2015 - Second Place, carved sculpture, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition
2015 - Nangara Aquisition Award, Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition
2018 - Tesselaar Sculpture Prize
2018 - CMP Stonemasons Supplies Award, ASV Annual and Awards Exhibition, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne
2016 - First Place, carved sculpture, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition
2015 - Second Place, carved sculpture, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Sculpture Exhibition
2015 - Nangara Aquisition Award, Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition
ASSOCIATION OF SCULPTORS OF VICTORIA
I am a member of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) (I am currently the ASV Secretary):
ASV Homepage
My page on the ASV website - photos of all the works I have exhibited with the ASV (click on "view all sculptures by John Bishop")
I am a member of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) (I am currently the ASV Secretary):
ASV Homepage
My page on the ASV website - photos of all the works I have exhibited with the ASV (click on "view all sculptures by John Bishop")
Demonstrating at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show as part of the ASV exhibition
2011 National Limestone Sculpture Symposium, Mt Gambier