FROM an Italian quarry to the sand of Cottesloe Beach – Doubleview sculptor Jina Lee’s latest entry to Sculpture by the Sea has undergone an impressive journey.
The South Korean-born artist travelled to Seravezza in Italy last year, where she worked with French artist Nicolas Bertoux for five weeks, thanks to a $10,000 mentorship grant.
She worked on her sculpture, Cluster, after selecting a piece of marble from the nearby quarry.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I learnt a lot about working with large scale stone sculptures, different tools and developed my skills and knowledge from him,” she said.
“The most valuable experience was visiting a few of many amazing marble quarries in Carrara.
“I believe every stone has its own story, and by working with it, I slowly develop a relationship with the stone.”
She described the process of shipping the piece from Italy to her Fremantle studio as a “learning curve”.
Cluster is Lee’s fourth entry to the Cottesloe competition and is inspired by the shape of an atom.
“Using the shape of an atom is my way to express the connection of all things in our universe,” she said.
“The concept was inspired by the invisible and visible connection of all matter, which is composed of atoms and molecules.
“It begins with a big block of marble. Cut and split the stone using wedges and angle grinder. After that polishing and chiselling using a hammer and chisel to finish the sculpture.”
Lee said she was honoured to be part of the exhibition.
“It is an excellent opportunity for especially emerging artists like myself to exhibit alongside many talented national and international artists,” she said.
“I enjoy connecting with the people who come to Sculpture by the Sea, talking about my work and hearing their thoughts.
“One of my favourite things is to watch people interact with my sculptures.”
Lee brought eight tonnes of marble blocks from Carrara back to Australia and is working on sculpting these for a solo exhibition.
Sculpture by the Sea is at Cottesloe Beach from March 2 to 19.
MORE: Two kids in hospital after crashes in Canning Vale and Thornlie
MORE: Police call for good samaritan to come forward after attempted robbery