SELHOFER, Yvonne

October 18, 2020 / Category: / Posted by:

 

SCULPTURES IN FIRED CLAY BRONZE RESIN AND BRONZE

 

Vonnie can look back at an eventful, multi dimensional career. A sought after fashion model in the 70’s, she has since widened her horizon to the management of real estate, production coordination for a Sydney based Graphic Design Studio, administration and directorship of an art gallery; among others.

 

In one form or another, Vonnie has always been involved with the world of art. During the early 80’s, she managed the Chameleon Gallery in Mosman (Sydney) where she met her future husband; Johannes, a painter / writer – whom she married in 1983. Together they set up a Graphic Design Studio in Neutral Bay, which florished for more than 17 years.

 

Vonnie and Johannes have two children; Johannes Junior (34), and Brigitta (37). In 1999, no doubt giving in to a bout of madness, the family relocated to Restoration Island, a remote outcrop in the Coral Sea, close to the tip of Cape York Penisula. The idea was to set up an eco tourist resort. This venture was unsuccessful, but after nearly two decades of dealing with the world of commerce, the family enjoyed a well earned respite, not to mention the exquisite beauty of the extreme far north.

 
Returning to Cairns late the same year, Vonnie wasted no time in reinventing herself. Rather than working her way ‘back up,’ and with characteristic leonine resolve, she aimed straight for the top, asking  the then Mayor (Kevin Byrne) to sit for a portrait. Mr Byrne obliged, and a few days later Vonnie’s face promptly appeared on the front page of the Cairns Post proudly presenting  “…Little Kev,” as the Mayor affectionately referred to his likeness. Many portraits followed, and come September 2004, she won first prize at the 68thAnnual Art Exhibition organized by the Cairns Art Society with the piece “…My Friend Joyce.” After the death of Dame Joan Sutherland, Vonnie created a bust of the famed Soprano, which was consequently purchased by her husband; Sir Richard Bonynge. 2011 saw the Selhofer clan back on the Sunshine Coast where Vonnie cared for her ageing parents. It was here where a clay portrait of James Nash, the man who discovered the Gympie goldfields was completed. Today the bust can be seen in the Historical Museum, as well as Andrew Fisher, Australian  PM; (1862 – 1928). A recently completed likeness of the famed inventor Nicola Tesla was snatched up days after its completion.  There are many more private commissions.

Portfolio: http://elostaricostadelsol.com/vonnieGallery.html

Email: elostarico@dodo.com.au

List Works

 

Biography

SCULPTURES IN FIRED CLAY BRONZE RESIN AND BRONZE

 

Vonnie can look back at an eventful, multi dimensional career. A sought after fashion model in the 70’s, she has since widened her horizon to the management of real estate, production coordination for a Sydney based Graphic Design Studio, administration and directorship of an art gallery; among others.

 

In one form or another, Vonnie has always been involved with the world of art. During the early 80’s, she managed the Chameleon Gallery in Mosman (Sydney) where she met her future husband; Johannes, a painter / writer – whom she married in 1983. Together they set up a Graphic Design Studio in Neutral Bay, which florished for more than 17 years.

 

Vonnie and Johannes have two children; Johannes Junior (34), and Brigitta (37). In 1999, no doubt giving in to a bout of madness, the family relocated to Restoration Island, a remote outcrop in the Coral Sea, close to the tip of Cape York Penisula. The idea was to set up an eco tourist resort. This venture was unsuccessful, but after nearly two decades of dealing with the world of commerce, the family enjoyed a well earned respite, not to mention the exquisite beauty of the extreme far north.

 
Returning to Cairns late the same year, Vonnie wasted no time in reinventing herself. Rather than working her way ‘back up,’ and with characteristic leonine resolve, she aimed straight for the top, asking  the then Mayor (Kevin Byrne) to sit for a portrait. Mr Byrne obliged, and a few days later Vonnie’s face promptly appeared on the front page of the Cairns Post proudly presenting  “…Little Kev,” as the Mayor affectionately referred to his likeness. Many portraits followed, and come September 2004, she won first prize at the 68thAnnual Art Exhibition organized by the Cairns Art Society with the piece “…My Friend Joyce.” After the death of Dame Joan Sutherland, Vonnie created a bust of the famed Soprano, which was consequently purchased by her husband; Sir Richard Bonynge. 2011 saw the Selhofer clan back on the Sunshine Coast where Vonnie cared for her ageing parents. It was here where a clay portrait of James Nash, the man who discovered the Gympie goldfields was completed. Today the bust can be seen in the Historical Museum, as well as Andrew Fisher, Australian  PM; (1862 – 1928). A recently completed likeness of the famed inventor Nicola Tesla was snatched up days after its completion.  There are many more private commissions.

Contact

Portfolio: http://elostaricostadelsol.com/vonnieGallery.html

Email: elostarico@dodo.com.au

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