Five Minutes With... Artist - Harrie Fasher

Nightmare Chases Dreams

It was only after quarter of a lifetime of three day eventing that country girl at heart, Harrie Fasher met with a horrendous accident - the trauma of which changed her relationship with horses - no longer riding them, but now sculpting them.

Harrie speaks of her horse connection through art, not from the saddle. After graduating from the National Art School Sydney in 2010, her Waiting for Billy (pictured bottom left) won the Jindabyne Lakelight Sculpture prize in 2011. Even while studying Harrie won the Julian Beaumont Prize for Sculpture in 2009, the National Art School Drawing Prize in 2009 and the Bird Holcomb Foundation Scholarship in 2010.

Harrie will be holding her first solo exhibition at the Maunsell Wickes Gallery, 19 Glenmore Road, Paddington NSW 14 - 30 June. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00 -5.30pm and Sunday 12.00 -5.00pm.

How did you first get into horses?

Its in the blood!  My aunt and uncle, Judy and Michael Fasher, are equally obsessed.  My sister George and I spent every school holidays with our cousins Hugh and Sam speaking to horses.  We roamed the property riding over a kids bush cross country course, swimming the ponies in the dam and playing cowboys and indians.  But I think I was born with horse hair for eyebrows.

 

You are a sculptor any reason for choosing this direction? 

I went to art school expecting to major in painting, however I am naturally a sculptor.  There is an energy created when you physically battle with an object.  This energy becomes a whirl wind, it is really a bit of a rush. However drawing remains the basis of my practice. 

Nervous!  And Excited!

 

Favourite horse?

Paddy

 

Favorite horse people?

Mary King, Mark Todd and Monty Roberts

 

Favourite artists?

Berlinde de Bruckere, Doris Salcedo, Christo, and Sydney's Elizabeth Cummings

 

Favourite art work?

Wow.  Big Question.   Degas drawings and bronzes, Christo's wrapped works... The sculpture of Corrie Fairburns that I am looking at!  I don't know that I can pick just one.

So many, most probably all of them. 

Walk the dogs, and remember to stop and smell the roses.

I have alot of supporters, Madeline and Jill Hayes have generously contributed a fairy tale space for me to use as a studio, (Halifax Artist Studios) and the A Alexanders who have produced all my print and web design.  I have been lucky to win some scholarships and prizes generously donated by Alex Bird, Andrew Holcomb, Julian Beaumont and most recently Snowy FM and the Snow River Arts Council.  Not to mention the numerous people who promote and collect my work, and provide me with emotional support!

Eccentricity is defined as departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.  Yes, that is how you could describe me.  Infact, I rather like it.  It is a challenge to continue this path outside convention.  Society conditions people to follow an established pattern, 'normality'.  I know that whatever 'normality' is I dont really want it!

My bathroom.  There is a world map for a shower curtain.  Everyday I stand infront of it brushing my teeth plotting journeys that could last a lifetime.
 

Small Dog

small dogs fit in small spaces.

small dogs have small tongues.

small dogs cant reach your face so they bite you on the ankle

small dogs make good slippers.

I am a convert to small dogs.  They have shared my life.  Jack Russells especially, there is more life in one of those little fellas than you could cram into a tip truck.

So in answer to your question, big dogs.

 

Arab or a Clydesdale?

Clydesdale.  Arabs are beautiful in the desert, with amazing coloured trappings, but I suggest keeping them there.  Clydesdales embody weight and strength alongside a willing gentle nature.  And how can you pass up feathers?

Quick Link

• To find out more about the exhibition and to view more sculptures, visit the Maunsell Wickes Gallery website.