Philip Spelman

About the work

‘New Moon Tilted Vase, is primarily an abstract composition, I source readily identifiable and abstracted imagery from a broad range of research including urban and industrial landscapes, still life painting and stylised forms from nature. The sculpture has strong positive and negative spaces, where the elements balance and tumble and float. The vibrant colour and tones create strong shadows and silhouettes, which separate the work from its environment.

Image courtesy of the artist

About the artist

Philip Spelman graduated from the Applied Arts Department at the Queensland College of Arts and continued with further study at the School of Art, Australian National University completing a BVA in Sculpture.

As a practicing sculptor for the past 30 years, Spelman works in painted steel, he maintains a broad professional arts practice. He is activity engaged in national and international exhibitions, commissions and conference programmes as well as technical management and consultation.

His works are abstract constructions where elements balance, tumble and float creating positive and negative compositions of space, light and shade. The sculptures are memorable for their vibrant colours which give luminosity and depth, creating stunning silhouettes within their environment.

Spelman’s sculptures are held in many public, private and corporate collections, nationally and international. In 2012 he was awarded a Helen Lempriere scholarship for research and travel.

In 2013 he received the NSW government regional acquisition award, his work acquired by Bathurst Regional Gallery. His commissions include ACT cultural facilities corporation, Civil & Civic / Lend Lease ACT, South Sydney City Council, and ACT Public Arts, Arrow International, and most recently a major work for Capital estate developments. His work is also featured in collections such as The Australian National University, National Convention Centre, The Lady Ethel Nock Sculpture Collection, Canberra Museum & Art Gallery, Gomboc Sculpture Gallery Price Waterhouse, University of Canberra and the Bathurst Regional Gallery.