Renown artist Ken Martin creates “inspiring and dynamic” sculpture for Scotch College’s 100th anniversary
Ken Martin’s previous artworks have been of famous sporting legends, including the statue of legendary racehorse Makybe Diva, but he’s brought something new to a major project for Scotch College.
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Ken Martin’s previous artworks have been of famous sporting legends, including a statue of legendary racehorse Makybe Diva, but he has brought something new to a major project for Scotch College.
The school turns 100 this year and wanted something “inspiring and dynamic” from the commission of a Centenary Sculpture.
Principal John Newton says they could not be happier with the acclaimed artist’s spectacular finished bronze of two figures around a globe in a striking, energetic pose.
“It’s created a huge positive stir with the students,” says Dr Newton, who joined Scotch from the UK four years ago.
“They (students) find it irresistible to approach and interact with, which is exactly how we hoped it would be.
“Ken’s captured a sense of sport and dance and creativity, and that’s quite an achievement.”
Along with the full-scale statue of “The Diva”, which proudly stands on the foreshore of Martin’s home town of Port Lincoln, the artist also created the striking figures of Barrie Robran, Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann at Adelaide Oval.
“This was something new for me, creating a rendered minimalist form that brings together so many elements,” Martin says.
“The finished sculpture around 2.3m tall is in bronze but the original design was in plasticine clay in my (Port Lincoln studio).”
Dr Newton says the school undertook a “huge consultation” before choosing the artist and the design.
“Ken is a sponge and soaked up all the feedback from today’s students and input from old collegians to capture the spirit of the school,” he says.
“We wanted something inspiring and dynamic, and that’s what we have.”
The sculpture sits in a prominent position on the college’s front lawn and can be seen from the main entrance on Carruth Rd.
Scotch has not revealed a final cost for the project but it is understood to have exceeded six figures.
Internally engineered and reinforced with stainless steel frame, Martin says his statue will withstand a shoulder charge, if necessary, and hopefully last at least another century.
“I’m sure everyone will be gentle, but if someone wants to get vigorous with it good luck to them because they’ll come off second best,” he says.
Scotch College, among South Australia’s most expensive schools, is planning a year-long celebration of its foundation in 1919, including a “Scotch 100 Festival” in April.
Its junior school at Mitcham will also receive a Centenary Statue — which remains “top secret” — but will be unveiled at the end of the year.
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