LOWE, Vivienne

I am a Sydney based Sculptor and have been sculpting  for nearly 2 decades. Currently,  my sculpture focuses on public art utilising my background as a Landscape Architect. 

Over the years, I have completed courses in sculpture with renown sculptors such as Tom Bass, Alan Somerville, Marguerite Derricourt, Michael Christie, Barbara Campbell- Allen, Margo Gabsy, Ingrid Morley, Dave Horton and  Michael Vaynman.   I am a member of the Sculptors Society and exhibit regularly with the Society as well as working on private commissions.

My sculptural works often result in stylized forms which exhibit clean lines with tactile finishes.  The forms tend to organic shapes with minimal detail yet manage to impart meaning and substance within the essence of the work. The works start either as drawings or clay models which can then be translated to either a different media such as bronze, resin, steel, cement fondue, paper pulp or fired ceramic works.   Generally, the material used is what best suits the situation. For public art works, I look to durable materials such as stainless steel , steel  and bronze.

A lot of things –  both tangible and experiential  inspire my works. I like the challenge of working to a brief -whether it is a brief advocated by a client or one I decide on for myself.  I am often experimenting with different materials and techniques along with the tried and true methods to create my sculptures.  My last solo exhibition was based on the theme of music . In that exhibition, I introduced both an interactive element and sound/music to my sculptures.

I have a studio at home and also share a space with fellow sculptors at the Workshop Arts Centre.  For public commissions I have several reliable fabricators and installers.

Recent Awards & Commissions:
2013 Winner in the 5 Ways Intersection Public Art Project for Auburn Council (installed 2014)
2012 Finalist in the Newcastle BHP Steelworkers Memorial EOI
Finalist in the Mt Annan Botanic Garden Artist in Residence 2012 Program
2011 Finalist in the Mt Annan Botanic Garden Artist in Residence 2011 Program
2010 Ewart Art Prize Exhibition Ewart Gallery Willoughby- Commended Prize 2010 &, 2012 , 2013 Special Mention Award
2009 Fremantle Media: commission for two 1.2m high sculptures. My “Saturn” & “Orion” sculptures feature on the “Biggest Loser Couples” TV programme in 2010.
“Northbridge Art Prize 2009 Exhibition”, Gallery 307, Northbridge
(awarded Highly Commended Prize, Sculpture Section)
Winner – 3-D Art Prize in the 55th Annual Hunters Hill Art & Craft Exhibition
Finalist in the Breen Sculpture Competition for Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
1 of 3 finalists in a nationally adjudicated competition
2008 Winner of the Kiama Public Art Project – my “Wave” Sculpture was installed and dedicated in 2009
“Northbridge Art Prize Exhibition”, Gallery 307, Northbridge
(Highly Commended Prize, Sculpture Section)

Education:
1994–2010 Sculpture courses at: Tom Bass Sculpture School, Sydney;
Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby;
National Arts School, Sydney;
Ingrid Morley Sculpture School
Tuition by: Tom Bass, Michael Christie, Marguerite Derricourt, Alan Somerville, Barbara Campbell- Allen, Margo Gabsy, Ingrid Morley, Dave Horton, Michael Vaynman
1988 Interior Design Certificate: School of Interior Design of Australia, Sydney
1979 Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.Arch.) UNSW

Professional Memberships:
2003-2014 Member of The Sculptors Society, Sydney
1996-2014 Member of Workshop Arts Centre
1989-1993 Member of Society of Interior Designers of Australia
1987-2007 Associate Member – Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

Phone: 02 9427 1279

Email: viv@viviennelowesculptures.com

Website: www.viviennelowesculptures.com.au