bruny NORTH has welcomed its latest exhibition by local artist Bruce Wall, a sculptor who transforms old, discarded materials into incredible sculptural works that sit in easy harmony with landscapes and interiors.
The exhibition is entitled ‘BRUCE’, a decision that the humble Bruce Wall was initially hesitant over.
“BRUCE seemed a bit wanky,” he said.
“Maybe if I was Vincent Van Gogh.”
bruny NORTH owner Virginia Dowzer was able to convince Bruce by pointing out that his name is a ubiquitous one.
“Every Australian guy is called Bruce and every Australian guy has a toolshed,” she said.
The exhibition has been wildly popular, with Bruce’s work having been sold and transported across the state, including into the back of a boat up to Launceston, as well as Victoria and Canberra.
“It’s been a really exciting time for Bruce, his family and the local people who cherish him,” Virginia said.
Bruce described the trepidation he felt before seeing the exhibition for the first time.
“Virginia had been to my place and said we should do an exhibition,” he recalled.
“‘When?’ I said.
“She said how about Friday, get the ball rolling?
“It was a really spontaneous thing, which is sometimes the best way to do things.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first, but the exhibition blew me out.
“I think I was just throwing my arms out in excitement.
“It’s gone from there to busy, busy, busy.”
Virginia first met Bruce about seven years ago while he was working at the Bruny Island tip shop.
She likened the visit to “walking into a maritime furniture museum.”
“It was magical,” she said.
Bruce had set up a beautiful curation of the tip shop’s items, including a section of free things to take.
Since then, Bruce and Virginia have been firm friends.
Virginia described Bruce’s artistic process as “the genius is not in collecting but looking at something and seeing its possibility.”
Each of Bruce’s pieces is crafted with a deep appreciation for the materials’ past lives, honouring their story while giving them new meaning and purpose.
BRUCE is on exhibition until Sunday, March 16.
Check bruny NORTH’s Instagram page or the Bruny Island Wild website for opening hours.
