Jacqui from the Local Rag caught up with local sculptor Richard Page who is an artist involved in the Raglan Arts Weekend. His work can be viewed at 213 Te Ahiawa Rd.
“Sculpture was always in my mind, and life in its own way, has led me to the decision to sculpt full time. I work mostly with a locally (Raglan) sourced extrusive and intrusive volcanic rock called Basalt.
It makes up for most of the world’s Oceanic crust which in the past two years has inspired me to create geometric shapes, which connect some way or another to all things aquatic.
Through my studies of seashells I came across ‘the golden section’. This sacred geometry has opened up new dimensions to my work and enabled me to incorporate growth and balance to my finished pieces.”
When and how did you discover Sculpture?
I discovered sculpture whilst on a Kibbutz in Israel and continued working with the artist for 9 years.
Your work is publicly displayed in Raglan and you have been involved in many commissions over the years.
What is one particular project that stands out for you?
Here in Raglan I have work outside the camp ground entry. Another commission can be seen at Greenhill Park in Hamilton
It’s obviously a very physical process, do you come and go from it because of this?
I work sculpture full time but due to the physical demands I tend to have a little time off to let the body recover after larger commissions.
What have you been working on leading up to this month’s Arts weekend?
At the moment I am working a 4.3 tonne stone which is due to be completed around Christmas time
Describe what goes into creating the pieces from conception to completion?
I usually make a model first, this allows me to refine the shape if need be. Once I am happy with the shape I then proceed with the stone. Basically the process starts with cutting then grinding and finally polishing.
