Lis Johnson, Female Australian Bronze Sculptor

Renowned for Figurative Sculpture, Statues of Women and Portrait Sculptures

Working on the wax for my first bronze commission, 1994

My studio/workshop is situated in regional North Central Victoria, near Castlemaine.

I acknowledge my practice takes place on the unceded land of the Djaara people, and convey my gratitude and respect to the DjaDjaWarrung custodians and elders, past, present and emerging.

I create 3-dimensional artworks at both ends of the scale spectrum: from monumental bronze sculptures to intimate small-scale objects.

I am often commissioned to create portraits and memorials that require figurative skills, utilising my ability to faithfully render human anatomy and likenesses, drapery, decorative and natural forms and objects.

My original artwork also tends to be figurative, although I occasionally venture into the conceptual realm, responding to environments and social issues. I enjoy making works that encourage tactile interaction.

Brief Biography

I’ve practiced sculpture professionally since 1990. Formally trained in art history, theory, research and practice in the 1980s, I proceeded to exhibit in numerous group, solo and selective exhibitions.

Since then I’ve been contracted to create three-dimensional artwork for architects, designers, other artists, museums and zoos, and the display, theatre and film industries – enabling me to become proficient with a wide range of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques, and I learned to work efficiently to set budgets and deadlines.

For the past decade my practice has focused on figurative bronze portrait sculpture (‘statues’), and I’m pleased to be part of the movement to create more statues of women. My preferred scale is 110-120% life-sized.

I enjoy teaching sculpture, and have experience lecturing, giving talks and running workshops in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education sectors. I have Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Fine Arts, Visual Arts and Teaching.

working on the clay model, 110% life-sized old
school rugby league player

Public Art Sculpture Commissions and Notable Works

I’ve been awarded numerous significant Public Art Commissions, firstly the Illawarra Coalmining Memorial (Wollongong, 1994), then the Vietnam War Memorial in Victoria. 5 monumental 150% life-sized bronze statues of athletes in action for the Avenue of Legends at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver’s sculpture at his Arena at Melbourne Park, George D Treloar with refugee child, in Sturt St Gardens Ballarat.

My work can also be seen in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle: Prime Ministers Sir John Gorton and McEwen, Dames Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney, and ‘Senator Ryan Addresses the Rally’ (Susan Ryan).

My Commitment to Quality and Local Sourcing

All Lis Johnson sculptor’s work is made in Australia and guaranteed to meet Australian Manufacturing and Installation Standards. I use only museum-grade silicon bronze and high-grade materials, locally sourced where possible. Each bronze sculpture is cast in Melbourne, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship. I am proud to employ local staff and subcontractors, supporting the Australian Arts and Manufacturing Industries.

It is my strong preference to create public bronze statues, bronze portrait sculptures and artworks
representing and celebrating Women and Indigenous Australians.