100 Artworks for a Koala entry by Ivan LOVATT. Title: ‘ Why a Koala? ‘ – sculpture, galvanised aviary wire
Ivan LOVATT
Sculptor based on the Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland, Australia
100 Artworks for a Koala entry: Title: ‘ Why a Koala? ‘
Dimensions: W 35 cm x H 30 cm x D 10 cm | Weight: 2kg |
Medium: galvanised aviary wire relief sculpture on treated timber frame.
“ How could I not accept G’s offer to support LWK’s [Living with Koalas] endeavours in koala conservation, by contributing a piece of art to this project? Our great Australian icon is growing increasingly vulnerable to extinction, and action must be taken now to protect our national treasure, and conserve their rapidly dwindling habitat. “ Ivan Lovatt
Artist bio
Ivan LOVATT: Born in Kenya, Ivan spent his childhood in Africa, England, Wales and Germany before emigrating to the Gold Coast Hinterland in 1994. Ivan enjoys creating unique, engaging, and dramatic sculptures for indoor and outdoor exhibition, with huge appeal to people of all ages. His work is characterised by his ingenuity and innovation and realism. He takes delight in transforming the ubiquitous ordinary chicken wire, into the extraordinary, with a medium that lends itself to the sensitivity and delicacy of his expression. In 2007 the Jackman Gallery hosted Ivan’s first solo exhibition, a collection of busts of famous personalities. Then Ripley’s (Believe it or Not) Museums commissioned him to create more celebrities and historical figures for their museums across the world.
Ivan’s work has been commissioned for public and private exhibition across Australia and internationally. He has won numerous awards including Gold Coast, and Royal Brisbane Shows and Swell Currumbin Sculpture Festival People’s Choice, Children’s Choice, Small’s Gallery People’s Choice, and Artist Peer Awards. He has participated in the “Sculpture by the Sea” festivals in Bondi, NSW and Cottesloe, WA, and Gold Coast Art Festival, Toorak Village Festival and Woodford Folk Festival. A collection of his work is on permanent outdoor exhibition at “Lion Pride Lands”, Taronga Zoo, Currumbin Sanctuary on the Gold Coast and the Bluebird Museum in Dumbleyung, W.A.
Ivan’s sculptures have featured in national and international newspapers and magazines including The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Telegraph, and magazines such as the Art Almanac, Cloth, Paper, Scissors, and several editions of Australian Art Collectors. He has also featured on television shows including ABC’s State Line, and Australia Wide, and Channel 9’s Extra, and The Great South East.
Artist exhibitions
Ivan Lovatt: in 2007 the Jackman Gallery hosted Ivan’s first solo exhibition, a collection of busts of famous personalities. Then Ripley’s (Believe it or Not) Museums commissioned him to create more celebrities and historical figures for their museums across the world.
2014 Gold Coast Airport, QLD.
2013 and 2018 Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
2013 Gold Coast Arts Festival, Evandale, QLD
2013 Toorak Village Festival of Sculpture, Melbourne.
2012 Gold Coast Arts Festival Broadwater, QLD
2010 Border Art Prize, Murwillumbah, NSW.
2009 Sculpture by the Sea, Cotttesloe, WA.
2008 Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, NSW.
2008 Toorak Village Festival of Sculpture, SA.
2008 Jackman Gallery Group Sculpture Exhibition, S.A.
2008 Kings Christian College Easter Arts Exhibition, QLD
2007 Solo Exhibition, Jackman Gallery, Melbourne , SA.
2006 Royal Pines Resort “Sisters of Swing”. QLD.
Artist awards
2018 – 2004 Swell Sculpture Festival Currumbin RSL Peoples’ Choice Award 2004, 2006, 2008, 2014 & 2018
2018 – 2012 Swell Sculpture Festival Griffith University School of Humanities Kids’ Choice Award 2012, 2013 & 2018
2015 – 2006 Swell Sculpture Festival Smalls Gallery Peoples’ Choice Award 2006, 2012, 2014 & 2015
2015 Swell Sculpture Festival Peer Award
2014 Darcy Doyle Boomerang Farm Peoples’ Choice Award
2010 & 08 Marymount College Art Competition Peoples’ Choice Award
2010 Gold Coast Show Visual Art Peoples’ Choice Award
2010 Trinity Lutheran College Art Competition First Prize
2007 – 2005 Springfest Arts and Craft Festival Award for Sculpture-First Prize, 2005, 2006 & 2007
2006 Swell Sculpture Festival Gold Coast Sun Media Award,
2006 St Margaret’s Inaugural Sculpture Competition First Prize,
Artist contact
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© BASA Pilar