CUSACK, Victor

March 8, 2022 / Category: / Posted by:

Born in 1937 at Manly, Sydney. N.S.W. 

A painter, sculptor and writer now resident on NSW’s Mid East coast. He studied painting under Sir Erik Langker F.R.A, F.R.A.S and Robert Johnston  (1959/63), and sculpture under Peter Sedcole, (N.Z.), pursuing a part time painting and sculpting career until he resigned in 1982 (as Director and General Manager of a large engineering company) to concentrate on a full time sculpting, painting and writing career.  Concentrating on private commissioned painting and sculpture, he also developed the company ‑ Fineart Bronzefoundry Pty. Ltd, initially to cast his own sculpture commissions, and later expanded to cast works for other sculptors, architects and government. The foundry (1985 to 1993) also became the world’s seventh bell foundry, casting and tuning carillon bells, and employed up to thirteen sculptor/artisans working full time on casting, conservation and restoration of  bronze sculpture and bells.  The foundry was dismantled and sold in 1993 to allow more time for artistic pursuits and less for management.

Victor Cusack has 15 public bronze sculptures in Australia, one in Portsmouth UK, and one in Edinborough, Scotland.

 

VICTOR CUSACK – PUBLIC SCULPTURE LOCATIONS & DESCRIPTIONS

1. Hornsby Shire Council – The Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 21 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture (a water powered mobile) incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge.  The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (1993 – Budget‑$500,000)

 

2. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures.  It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

3. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial Park’s “FIRST FLEET” sculpture – A 1.8 metres diameter bronze weighing approximately 500 kg.  The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000).   A copy of the above sculpture was donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils to the City of Portsmouth U.K.  (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

4. Rockdale “FIRST FLEET ARRIVAL MEMORIAL” Sculpture located on Botany Bay at Sans Souci, a symbolical sail form with historical relief sculpture. The sculpture was sponsored by the N.S.W. Bi‑centennial Committee.(Budget‑$35,000)

 

5. The “JOSEPH BANKS” Memorial Sculpture incorporating a life‑sized Banks together with other symbolical flora, fauna, etc. commissioned by Botany Council. It is installed in Botany’s Joseph Banks Bicentennial Park. (Budget‑$50,000)

 

The three sculptures depicted are:

1. Hornsby Shire Council – The Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 21 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge.  All the mechanisms are water powered.  The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (1993 – Budget‑$500,000)

 

2. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures.  It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

3. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial “FIRST FLEET” sculpture – A 1.8 metres diameter bronze weighing approximately 500 kg.  The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000)

A copy of the above sculpture was donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils to the City of Portsmouth U.K.  (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

Cusack’s work varies from strongly stated realism to more surrealistic organic forms, usually incorporating figurative identification and symbolism.  His sculpture often uses the bronze medium in innovative structural and mechanised patterns only possible for one with extensive technical knowledge of design and structure.  “I would like to be known as an environmental or philosophical sculptor/painter, as the challenge of man trying to come to terms with himself and the environment is the major crisis of our age. The large Hornsby sculpture “Man. Time and the Environment”, Warringah’s “Pacific Family” sculpture and the recent ‘Rainforest Cathedral’ and ‘Fashion’ series of paintings are examples.

Quoting from art critic and educator Michael Hedger’s authoritative book “PUBLIC SCULPTURE IN AUSTRALIA” (1995), “Australia’s most recent major fountain ranks as its most unique.”...etc…“The fountain is of cast bronze, (cast by Cusack at his Sydney foundry), stainless steel and plate glass, and the scale and the extraordinary combinations provide a work of surprising harmony.  Cusack’s environmental sentiments are readily apparent and the local Council’s initiative in commissioning such a work is visionary.”

 

Victor Cusack:

  1. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial “FIRST FLEET” sculpture ‑ 1.8 metres diameter and weighing approximately 500 kg. The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000)

 

  1. U.K. ‑ Donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils a copy of the above sculpture was given to the City of Portsmouth U.K. (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

  1. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures. It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

  1. Rockdale “FIRST FLEET ARRIVAL MEMORIAL” Sculpture located on Botany Bay at Sans Souci, a symbolical sail form with historical relief sculpture. The sculpture was sponsored by the N.S.W. Bi‑centennial Committee.(Budget‑$35,000)

 

  1. The “JOSEPH BANKS” Memorial Sculpture incorporating a life‑sized Banks together with other symbolical flora, fauna, etc. commissioned by Botany Council. It is installed in Botany’s Joseph Banks Bicentennial Park. (Budget‑$50,000)

 

  1. A Bicentennial larger‑than‑life bust and shoulders of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP” located in Pymble War Memorial Park. (A ‘limited edition’) Purchased by Ku‑Ring Gai Council.

 

  1. A second copy of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP”is located on Pacific Highway, Gordon.

 

  1. A third copy of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP”is located at Governor Phillip Park in Warringah, purchased by Warringah Shire Council.

 

  1. Sculpting and bronze casting of SYDNEY UNIVERSITY coat‑of‑arms (approximately 1 metre long and 35 kg. weight). Twelve copies have been cast for the university.

 

  1. The “MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER” America’s Cup fund raising series.

 

  1. The sculpting and casting of the 2 metre “BIRD ASCENDING” bronze for Botany Cemetery Trust. (Budget $32,000)

 

  1. The “BATTLE OF WATERLOO” relief for the 1990 visit of the Duke of Wellington, now located in Sth. Sydney Town Hall.

 

  1. The “JESSIE STREET” relief celebrating the naming of the park near Circular Quay of that name. (for Sydney City Council)

 

  1. The Hornsby Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 20 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge. All the mechanisms are water powered. The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (Budget‑$500,000)

 

  1. A bust (1.5 times life) of “VICE ADMIRAL JOHN HUNTER. R.N.”, the second governor of Australia, commissioned by Mosman Council.

 

  1. A second copy of the Governor Hunter bust was given to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and is located at Hunters birthplace in Leith, Edinburgh’s dockland.

 

  1. A third copy was mounted by the Australia Scottish Society in Scone NSW in the Hunter Valley.

 

  1. A bronze Celtic Cross commissioned by Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council ‑ 2 metres high diameter and weighing approximately 200 kg. The sculpture is based on an ancient Irish design. 

           

Cusack’s work varies from strongly stated realism to more surrealistic organic forms, usually incorporating figurative identification and symbolism.  His sculpture often uses the bronze medium in innovative structural and mechanised patterns only possible for one with extensive technical knowledge of design and structure.  “I would like to be known as an environmental or philosophical sculptor/painter, as the challenge of man trying to come to terms with himself and the environment is the major crisis of our age. The large Hornsby sculpture “Man. Time and the Environment”, Warringah’s “Pacific Family” sculpture and the recent ‘Rainforest Cathedral’ and ‘Fashion’ series of paintings are examples.

One‑man shows include Brickfield Hill Gallery 1959, Tamworth Festival of Light 1960, Watson’s Bay Gallery 1959 and 1960 and Lindeman Island 1959.

He exhibited extensively with various art societies, N.S.W. galleries and multiple Exhibitions, is represented in regional and private gallery collections, but is mainly noted for his 17 public sculptures.

He is also the founder of the well known bamboo botanical garden, educational facility, nursery, tissue culture laboratory and edible shoot plantation “Bamboo World”, located in Northern NSW.  His works in this area include many published papers given at international scientific conferences.

 

Bibliography   
“Public Sculpture in Australia” by Michael Hedger.(Craftsman house)

“Artists & Galleries of Australia.” Vol.1. Pg.155.

“The Heritage of Botany” Pg.29 & 35.(Bicentenary Pub.)

“British Horological Journal” December 1995

“Shire & Municipal Record” Vol.81‑No.2 pg.64.

Misc. magazines, newspaper articles & T.V. features, and technical books.

 

BOOKS

“Business Who’s Who – 1982″ (Director & General Manager – Noyes Bros.)

Author of “Bamboo Rediscovered” (publisher-Earth Garden Books).

Author of the book “Bamboo World” published by Simon & Schuster, 1998

“Humanist Society”‑Vol.17.No.11.pg.94

Email: victorcusack@victorcusack.com.au

Phone: 0408 897 214

List Works
Biography

Born in 1937 at Manly, Sydney. N.S.W. 

A painter, sculptor and writer now resident on NSW’s Mid East coast. He studied painting under Sir Erik Langker F.R.A, F.R.A.S and Robert Johnston  (1959/63), and sculpture under Peter Sedcole, (N.Z.), pursuing a part time painting and sculpting career until he resigned in 1982 (as Director and General Manager of a large engineering company) to concentrate on a full time sculpting, painting and writing career.  Concentrating on private commissioned painting and sculpture, he also developed the company ‑ Fineart Bronzefoundry Pty. Ltd, initially to cast his own sculpture commissions, and later expanded to cast works for other sculptors, architects and government. The foundry (1985 to 1993) also became the world’s seventh bell foundry, casting and tuning carillon bells, and employed up to thirteen sculptor/artisans working full time on casting, conservation and restoration of  bronze sculpture and bells.  The foundry was dismantled and sold in 1993 to allow more time for artistic pursuits and less for management.

Victor Cusack has 15 public bronze sculptures in Australia, one in Portsmouth UK, and one in Edinborough, Scotland.

 

VICTOR CUSACK – PUBLIC SCULPTURE LOCATIONS & DESCRIPTIONS

1. Hornsby Shire Council – The Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 21 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture (a water powered mobile) incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge.  The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (1993 – Budget‑$500,000)

 

2. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures.  It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

3. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial Park’s “FIRST FLEET” sculpture – A 1.8 metres diameter bronze weighing approximately 500 kg.  The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000).   A copy of the above sculpture was donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils to the City of Portsmouth U.K.  (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

4. Rockdale “FIRST FLEET ARRIVAL MEMORIAL” Sculpture located on Botany Bay at Sans Souci, a symbolical sail form with historical relief sculpture. The sculpture was sponsored by the N.S.W. Bi‑centennial Committee.(Budget‑$35,000)

 

5. The “JOSEPH BANKS” Memorial Sculpture incorporating a life‑sized Banks together with other symbolical flora, fauna, etc. commissioned by Botany Council. It is installed in Botany’s Joseph Banks Bicentennial Park. (Budget‑$50,000)

 

The three sculptures depicted are:

1. Hornsby Shire Council – The Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 21 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge.  All the mechanisms are water powered.  The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (1993 – Budget‑$500,000)

 

2. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures.  It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

3. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial “FIRST FLEET” sculpture – A 1.8 metres diameter bronze weighing approximately 500 kg.  The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000)

A copy of the above sculpture was donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils to the City of Portsmouth U.K.  (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

Cusack’s work varies from strongly stated realism to more surrealistic organic forms, usually incorporating figurative identification and symbolism.  His sculpture often uses the bronze medium in innovative structural and mechanised patterns only possible for one with extensive technical knowledge of design and structure.  “I would like to be known as an environmental or philosophical sculptor/painter, as the challenge of man trying to come to terms with himself and the environment is the major crisis of our age. The large Hornsby sculpture “Man. Time and the Environment”, Warringah’s “Pacific Family” sculpture and the recent ‘Rainforest Cathedral’ and ‘Fashion’ series of paintings are examples.

Quoting from art critic and educator Michael Hedger’s authoritative book “PUBLIC SCULPTURE IN AUSTRALIA” (1995), “Australia’s most recent major fountain ranks as its most unique.”...etc…“The fountain is of cast bronze, (cast by Cusack at his Sydney foundry), stainless steel and plate glass, and the scale and the extraordinary combinations provide a work of surprising harmony.  Cusack’s environmental sentiments are readily apparent and the local Council’s initiative in commissioning such a work is visionary.”

 

Victor Cusack:

  1. Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council Bicentennial “FIRST FLEET” sculpture ‑ 1.8 metres diameter and weighing approximately 500 kg. The sculpture features the ‘Sirius’ in full sail mounted in a ‘world’ shell sculpted in relief with the story and history of the journey.  (Budget‑$45,000)

 

  1. U.K. ‑ Donated by Ku‑Ring‑Gai and Sydney City Councils a copy of the above sculpture was given to the City of Portsmouth U.K. (Unveiled 13th May 1991.- Budget $45,000)

 

  1. Warringah Shire Council. The four (4) metre 1.5 tonne bronze “environmental” sculpture and fountain “PACIFIC FAMILY” incorporating four Dolphins supported on a twisting, fluted sea grass structure with a bronze ‘rock’ base covered in sea creatures. It is located at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. (Budget‑$100,000)

 

  1. Rockdale “FIRST FLEET ARRIVAL MEMORIAL” Sculpture located on Botany Bay at Sans Souci, a symbolical sail form with historical relief sculpture. The sculpture was sponsored by the N.S.W. Bi‑centennial Committee.(Budget‑$35,000)

 

  1. The “JOSEPH BANKS” Memorial Sculpture incorporating a life‑sized Banks together with other symbolical flora, fauna, etc. commissioned by Botany Council. It is installed in Botany’s Joseph Banks Bicentennial Park. (Budget‑$50,000)

 

  1. A Bicentennial larger‑than‑life bust and shoulders of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP” located in Pymble War Memorial Park. (A ‘limited edition’) Purchased by Ku‑Ring Gai Council.

 

  1. A second copy of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP”is located on Pacific Highway, Gordon.

 

  1. A third copy of “GOVERNOR PHILLIP”is located at Governor Phillip Park in Warringah, purchased by Warringah Shire Council.

 

  1. Sculpting and bronze casting of SYDNEY UNIVERSITY coat‑of‑arms (approximately 1 metre long and 35 kg. weight). Twelve copies have been cast for the university.

 

  1. The “MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER” America’s Cup fund raising series.

 

  1. The sculpting and casting of the 2 metre “BIRD ASCENDING” bronze for Botany Cemetery Trust. (Budget $32,000)

 

  1. The “BATTLE OF WATERLOO” relief for the 1990 visit of the Duke of Wellington, now located in Sth. Sydney Town Hall.

 

  1. The “JESSIE STREET” relief celebrating the naming of the park near Circular Quay of that name. (for Sydney City Council)

 

  1. The Hornsby Florence Mall Kinetic Water Sculpture, “MAN, TIME, AND THE ENVIRONMENT”, an 8 M. high 20 tonne bronze, glass and stainless steel environmental sculpture incorporating three water clocks of ancient (modified) design and a 17 note Carillon, all mounted on a rotating barge. All the mechanisms are water powered. The huge central pendulum clock has the same time cycle as ‘Big Ben’ and a considerably larger pendulum weight, and keeps accurate time within 1.5 minutes over 2 months.  (Budget‑$500,000)

 

  1. A bust (1.5 times life) of “VICE ADMIRAL JOHN HUNTER. R.N.”, the second governor of Australia, commissioned by Mosman Council.

 

  1. A second copy of the Governor Hunter bust was given to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and is located at Hunters birthplace in Leith, Edinburgh’s dockland.

 

  1. A third copy was mounted by the Australia Scottish Society in Scone NSW in the Hunter Valley.

 

  1. A bronze Celtic Cross commissioned by Ku‑Ring‑Gai Council ‑ 2 metres high diameter and weighing approximately 200 kg. The sculpture is based on an ancient Irish design. 

           

Cusack’s work varies from strongly stated realism to more surrealistic organic forms, usually incorporating figurative identification and symbolism.  His sculpture often uses the bronze medium in innovative structural and mechanised patterns only possible for one with extensive technical knowledge of design and structure.  “I would like to be known as an environmental or philosophical sculptor/painter, as the challenge of man trying to come to terms with himself and the environment is the major crisis of our age. The large Hornsby sculpture “Man. Time and the Environment”, Warringah’s “Pacific Family” sculpture and the recent ‘Rainforest Cathedral’ and ‘Fashion’ series of paintings are examples.

One‑man shows include Brickfield Hill Gallery 1959, Tamworth Festival of Light 1960, Watson’s Bay Gallery 1959 and 1960 and Lindeman Island 1959.

He exhibited extensively with various art societies, N.S.W. galleries and multiple Exhibitions, is represented in regional and private gallery collections, but is mainly noted for his 17 public sculptures.

He is also the founder of the well known bamboo botanical garden, educational facility, nursery, tissue culture laboratory and edible shoot plantation “Bamboo World”, located in Northern NSW.  His works in this area include many published papers given at international scientific conferences.

 

Bibliography   
“Public Sculpture in Australia” by Michael Hedger.(Craftsman house)

“Artists & Galleries of Australia.” Vol.1. Pg.155.

“The Heritage of Botany” Pg.29 & 35.(Bicentenary Pub.)

“British Horological Journal” December 1995

“Shire & Municipal Record” Vol.81‑No.2 pg.64.

Misc. magazines, newspaper articles & T.V. features, and technical books.

 

BOOKS

“Business Who’s Who – 1982″ (Director & General Manager – Noyes Bros.)

Author of “Bamboo Rediscovered” (publisher-Earth Garden Books).

Author of the book “Bamboo World” published by Simon & Schuster, 1998

“Humanist Society”‑Vol.17.No.11.pg.94

Contact

Email: victorcusack@victorcusack.com.au

Phone: 0408 897 214

Share Post :