Sam Deal
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
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Sam Deal
Sprinkle Bush (detail)
90×50×50cm galvanised pipefittings, brass, glass
$1800
Exhibitions
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
