Sam Deal

artists/sam-deal

Sam Deal

Timepiece
95×55×28cm
$3750

My work is influenced by the beauty of preexisting objects and materials. I recontextualise these elements to create kinetic works or works that suggest movement and function. The sculptures may also contain other elements such as sound and light with suggestions of humor, play and occasionally human characteristics.

I enjoy exploring and exposing the often remarkable and unseen inner working of all types of machines and technology. I search for objects with unique characteristics – anything has potential to be used in a sculpture if it has a distinctive form or quality. I particularly enjoy salvaging these pieces, altering their function and transforming existence.

My work encourages and rewards the curious observer who interacts with the piece – many include movement and elements not necessarily obvious at first sight but become apparent once something is touched, adding an extra dimension to what is essentially a static form.

Working with preexisting objects in a solar-powered workshop constantly challenges my resourcefulness, imagination, skills and working methods. I find this very rewarding in my practice and essential for my creative process.

Sam Deal 2009

Exhibitions

2009
Small is the New Big
Sculpture 21
Sam Deal
2008
The Young Ones

Biography

  • 1978 Born in Vaughn Springs, Victoria
  • Lives and works in Sydney and Victoria
  • Castlemaine High School
  • Latrobe University, Bachelor of Applied Chemistry
  • RMIT University, Bachelor of Applied Physics
  • Sam was born in 1978 and grew up near Vaughn Springs, a small town in Central Victoria. He was raised on a 60acre farm in a remote valley surrounded by National Park forests and without any electricity or town water.
  • Sam was fascinated by machinery, mechanics and movement from a very early age. Both his grandfathers were engineers and used to build him contraptions and toys. Sam has inherited many of their tools and machines and now uses them to build his own sculptures.
  • When Sam was 14 he rigged up a small solar system for his bedroom providing him with light, music and power for his electronic contraptions while his parents were still using gas lighting. The lack of easily available electricity inspired him to take an apprenticeship in the renewable energy industry designing and building remote area power supplies.
  • This lead to several years at various universities studying electronics, chemistry, physics and engineering. It was during this time when he became inspired to create sculptures using some of the principles, materials and skills he was discovering through his studies.
  • Sam has worked in a number of areas such as: private research; research & development for an electronic engineering company; building props and set design for films & TV; designing and building prototypes for new technology ideas.

Solo Exhibitions

2009
Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney
2007
Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney

Group Exhibitions

1996
Chris Browning Gallery, Castlemaine
1998
Chris Browning Gallery, Castlemaine
2001
Tonks Sculpture Prize
2002
Buda Historic Homestead, Castlemaine
2003
Tonks Sculpture Prize – Encouragement Award
2005
Tonks Sculpture Prize – 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prizes
2006
Sculpture 18, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney
2006
Four, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney
2007
Sculpture 19, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney
2008
Sculpture 20, Robin Gibson Gallery. Sydney
The Young Ones, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney

Awards

2007
Sculpture By The Sea, Damon Courtenay Memorial Young Sculptor Prize
Clitheroe Foundation Emerging Artist Mentorship Program recipient
2005
Tonks Sculpture Prize – 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prizes
2003
Tonks Sculpture Prize – Encouragement Award

Press

2008
Mx Newspaper
2007
ABC ‘The Program’ web feature
Sydney Morning Herald, Metro
Sydney Morning Herald, Open Gallery review
Central Magazine
Mx Newspaper
ABC JJJ Arts Crew, radio interview
2005
Castlemaine Mail

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