Tas Wansbrough - Artist BALLARAT

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Echoes of the Ancient: A Personal Reflection on Art and Resilience

Allow me to take you on a journey to introduce you to the meaning of my latest sculpture: Echoes of the Ancient, a sculpture I recently created from hand-carved Basalt stone. This contemporary piece, references art's enduring power and carries a significant message about the indomitable spirit of women in the art world. As an artist, I believe that this work serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless resonance of art, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and unyielding creativity of women throughout history.

Echoes of the Ancient, hand-carved from Basalt stone using ancient techniques, seeks to transcend the boundaries of time. The sculpture portrays the enigmatic visage of a woman's head, evoking a sense of timelessness that draws viewers into its symbolism.

As an artist, I am acutely aware of the challenges that artists, and especially women artists, face. Financial pressures, societal constraints, and centuries of gender-based discrimination have posed significant barriers. Echoes of the Ancient, however, is not intended as a celebration of my own accomplishments but rather as a symbol of the persistence and power of the creative spirit.

Through my hands, guided by the wisdom of ancient techniques, this sculpture represents the endurance, resilience, and unyielding creativity of women throughout history. My intent is not to claim personal recognition but rather to tell a story of collective strength and creativity that transcends time and societal norms.

Echoes of the Ancient symbolizes the enduring connection between women and art, breaking through the limitations of the past and present. In a world where barriers are still being dismantled, where women continue to redefine their roles in the art world, this sculpture conveys a message that should not be overlooked. It whispers the echoes of centuries of female creativity, resilience, and power.

In every subtle contour and every curve of the Basalt stone, Echoes of the Ancient invites us to honour the artists who persist in the face of adversity and discrimination. It asks us to acknowledge that the resonance of art remains eternal, reflecting the indomitable spirit of women in the world of creation.

This sculpture is due for exhibition at the Ballarat Art Foundations, Eureka Art Prize
Saturday 9th November - 6th November
Fairbanks Eye Gallery
917a Sturt Street
Ballarat Central
VIC 3350