Australian Farmer Memorial
Wudinna Granite 8 and a half metres high Wudinna, South Australia
Fishermen Lost At Sea Memorial
Calac Granite 2.5m H x 0.8m x 0.8m Port Lincoln Marina South Australia
St Joseph and Child Jesus
Wudinna Granite 2.1 m high St Joseph Catholic School, Port Lincoln, South AustraliaBorn 1953 in Croatian Catholic Family in Modran (Derventa), known as Bosanska Posavina , (at the moment occupied by Serbs) in Bosnia Herzegovina
The family moved to Croatia 1959
Immigrated to Austria 1969
One year later immigrated to Switzerland
Started as a labourer in a civil construction company, then made a career as a plant and machine operator
1978 was sent to Libya on a two year contract by a Swiss construction company as a machine operator. “My aim was to earn money to study art”
1980 moved back to Switzerland
1981 married lovely wife Jasna, today father of three children David, Martina, Jelena
1981 – 1985 studied art – sculpture and stone carving at Schule fur Gestaltung (former, Kunstgeverbe Schule) in Bern, Switzerland and became professional stone sculptor
1989 lived in Australia : Adelaide, Pt Lincoln and Sydney
2007 commenced work on the ‘Australian Farmer Memorial’ at Wudinna S.A.
2008 completed The Australian Farmer Memorial
Now working Independently in own studio
THE CREATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER MEMORIAL
Excerpt from the Wudinna & Gawler Ranges Visitor Information Centre booklet.
In 1992 our community decided it was time to recognise our history, community spirit and belief in rural Australia through a work of art.
In the following 17 years the project was driven by the Wudinna & Districts Directions Group – Eleanor Scholz, Barry Wilkins, Tim Scholz, Marlene Boylan, Graham Waters, Sue DuBois, Andrew Buckham and Marie O’Brien.
The committee was supported by our many volunteers who willingly gave of their time and talents. Amazing contributions were made by the Croatian Community Australia wide and Corporate Companies who without natural links to the community, believed in the “Australian Farmer”.
Artist Marijan Bekic spent time in gaining a feel for the region and our people and produced the concept which he titled “Australian Farmer”. Many years passed until the committee made a pivotal decision to proceed in 2007.
With only 30% of the project funds in hand, a belief in Marijan’s commitment and faith in the community, our people are now the custodians of this masterpiece.
“Australian Farmer” celebrates the spirit of Australian farming communities from pioneering days to the challenges of rural living today.
To contact this sculptor, please email the Sculptors Society’s Secretary Eva Chant at sculpt1@bigpond.net.au
- List Works
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Australian Farmer Memorial
Wudinna Granite 8 and a half metres high Wudinna, South Australia
Fishermen Lost At Sea Memorial
Calac Granite 2.5m H x 0.8m x 0.8m Port Lincoln Marina South Australia
St Joseph and Child Jesus
Wudinna Granite 2.1 m high St Joseph Catholic School, Port Lincoln, South Australia - Biography
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Born 1953 in Croatian Catholic Family in Modran (Derventa), known as Bosanska Posavina , (at the moment occupied by Serbs) in Bosnia Herzegovina
The family moved to Croatia 1959
Immigrated to Austria 1969
One year later immigrated to Switzerland
Started as a labourer in a civil construction company, then made a career as a plant and machine operator
1978 was sent to Libya on a two year contract by a Swiss construction company as a machine operator. “My aim was to earn money to study art”
1980 moved back to Switzerland
1981 married lovely wife Jasna, today father of three children David, Martina, Jelena
1981 – 1985 studied art – sculpture and stone carving at Schule fur Gestaltung (former, Kunstgeverbe Schule) in Bern, Switzerland and became professional stone sculptor
1989 lived in Australia : Adelaide, Pt Lincoln and Sydney
2007 commenced work on the ‘Australian Farmer Memorial’ at Wudinna S.A.
2008 completed The Australian Farmer Memorial
Now working Independently in own studio
THE CREATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER MEMORIAL
Excerpt from the Wudinna & Gawler Ranges Visitor Information Centre booklet.In 1992 our community decided it was time to recognise our history, community spirit and belief in rural Australia through a work of art.
In the following 17 years the project was driven by the Wudinna & Districts Directions Group – Eleanor Scholz, Barry Wilkins, Tim Scholz, Marlene Boylan, Graham Waters, Sue DuBois, Andrew Buckham and Marie O’Brien.
The committee was supported by our many volunteers who willingly gave of their time and talents. Amazing contributions were made by the Croatian Community Australia wide and Corporate Companies who without natural links to the community, believed in the “Australian Farmer”.
Artist Marijan Bekic spent time in gaining a feel for the region and our people and produced the concept which he titled “Australian Farmer”. Many years passed until the committee made a pivotal decision to proceed in 2007.
With only 30% of the project funds in hand, a belief in Marijan’s commitment and faith in the community, our people are now the custodians of this masterpiece.
“Australian Farmer” celebrates the spirit of Australian farming communities from pioneering days to the challenges of rural living today.
- Contact
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To contact this sculptor, please email the Sculptors Society’s Secretary Eva Chant at sculpt1@bigpond.net.au