By Luke Voogt
Geelong’s sculpting talent will be on display in free exhibition running all of next month in the city.
Octogenarian sculptor Graeme Bentley was one of scores of Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine artists who prepared pieces for the exhibition.
“It’s something that I’ve enjoyed very much,” he said. “It’s given me a lot of satisfaction and pleasure over the years.“
The great-grandfather has worked with clay for 40 years.
“I was busy working as a builder and I took it up as a form of relaxation,” he said
“It takes your mind off other issues that can be stressful.”
Graeme has enjoyed creating abstract sculptures and large ceramic vases.
Recently, he produced a monster 80cm vase, one of two pieces he entered into the exhibition.
“It’s a miracle to be able to produce such a large pit-fired vase,” the Corio local said. “The process is very hazardous.”
Graeme sold scores of vases during his clay-working days, but also kept a large number at home, to the delight of his wife.
“She loves it,” he said.
For decades Graeme has displayed his work at exhibitions in Geelong and Melbourne, but age has slowed him a little.
“I’m tapering off now,” he said. “It’s getting a little too hard for me.”
The Wintergarden Geelong will hold its fifth annual sculpture exhibition from 5 May to 30 May.
Event organiser Jill Shalless described the exhibition as a highlight for the cafe and said it brought together an eclectic mix of Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong sculptors.
“The beautiful mezzanine space fills with pieces from the smallest delicate glass work to robust limestone and functional wood and ceramics, steel and repurposed metal made with flare and love.”
