BEKIC, Marijan

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.

To contact this sculptor, please email the Sculptors Society’s Secretary Eva Chant at sculpt1@bigpond.net.au

List Works
Biography

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

To contact this sculptor, please email the Sculptors Society’s Secretary Eva Chant at sculpt1@bigpond.net.au

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