LIS JOHNSON

sculptor

I acknowledge my practice exists on unceded Djaara land, and convey my gratitude and respect to the DjaDjaWarrung custodians, past present and emerging.

All my work is made in Australia, guaranteed to meet all Australian Manufacturing and  Standards, using only museum-grade materials. All bronze is silicon bronze, cast in Melbourne; I employ local staff and sub-contractors.

I create 3-dimensional artworks at both ends of the scale spectrum: from monumental public statuary to intimate small-scale objects. I am often commissioned to create portraits and memorials, that require figurative skills, especially the ability to faithfully render human anatomy and likenesses, drapery, decorative and natural forms.

Original work is also mostly figurative, but sometimes ventures into the conceptual realm, including interactive and site-specific installations.

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. A modeller and carver, I’ve been contracted to create three-dimensional artwork for architects, designers, other artists, museums and zoos, the display, theatre and film industries, and private clients, enabling me to become proficient with a wide range of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques.

I enjoy teaching sculpture, especially assisting other artists with specific projects, and have experience teaching, giving talks and running workshops in the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors.

I’ve been awarded some significant public art commissions including the Illawarra Coalmining Memorial, St George Illawarra Centenary Rugby League Sculpture, the Vietnam War Memorial in Victoria, five 150% life-sized bronze statues of athletes (Avenue of Legends at the MCG), Rod Laver sculpture at his arena at Melbourne Park, George D Treloar with refugee child (Sturt St Garden Ballarat). Prime Ministers  Sir John Gorton and McEwen, and recently Dame Enid Lyons and Dame Dorothy Tangney (Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra).

It is my strong preference to create public sculpture portraits of Indigenous Australians and women.

My studio/workshop is located near Castlemaine, in regional central Victoria.