AWARD-WINNING Oberon-based artist Harrie Fasher beams when you ask her about her latest sculpture for the Somewhere Down The Lachlan sculpture exhibition to be held in Forbes in October.
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Ms Fasher took out the Forbes competition in 2015, winning $20,000.
She says this year’s entry, titled Balance, examines the divisions of a creative existence.
"One end rearing, and attacking life; whilst its opposing end stands pensively – observing the world around them.”
Ms Fasher fondly mentions Metaland’s Allan and Amanda Wilding whenever you ask for further detail on any of her works.
“I have known Allan and Amanda since 2014, when I first came to the district as an Artist in Residence in Oberon,” she said.
"Allan and Amanda have willingly supported me in my endeavours through supplying me with materials and transportation for my sculptures.
“Without the fantastic support I have received from Metaland, Allan, Amanda and the team, exhibitions of my works internationally and regionally just wouldn’t have happened.”
Allan Wilding had plenty of accolades for Ms Fasher.
“Harrie is very much a representation of the ethos of our business. Metaland Bathurst takes pride in our successful regional presence. We play an important role in the community providing solutions to all our customers, big, small or in-between,” he said.
"Harrie stretches the use of our materials and shows fantastic depth to our products’ ability and usability. It’s a win-win! We are super proud of Harrie and her representation of our community.”
Ms Fasher went on to explain her connection to place, community and landscape.
“I get so much inspiration from the hills of Oberon and I get such extraordinary support and friendship,” she said. "Greedily eyeing off Allan’s yard every time I go there is all part of the processes!”
The Somewhere Down The Lachlan exhibition of sculptures will be displayed in the shop windows at the main shopping centre in Forbes, with the acquisition sculpture entries on display in Albion Park and Victoria Park during October.
Also exhibiting at Forbes' Down The Lachlan are two other local artists, Steve Hogan and Nicole O'Regan.
Mr Hogan will have his metal Really Wild Flowers on display. Ms O'Regan's In Motion, meanwhile, is just over 2.1 metres in height.
Ms O'Regan said the metal piece was quite a challenge to create, as the ceiling height in her studio is only 1.9m.
"So I dug a hole in the floor of my studio to complete the sculpture,” she said.
"I started my career as a steel fabricator on an industrial scale at the age of 16. For almost three years I have been working with Harrie creating horse sculptures.
"Participating in the art world has made me realise what art gives to the people and communities.
"It has inspired me to create my own works and support others to follow a path of new possibilities.
"In Motion is a figurative sculpture that captures the form in transition, exploring balance and movement."
The Somewhere Down The Lachlan exhibition at Forbes will start on October 13, not on the long weekend, due to flooding in the area.