KEN SCARLETT considers the fortitude of three sculptors who have devoted their lives to sculpture.

Remarkably, three sculptors over ninety years of age are all actively producing work and holding exhibitions. Working in stone or steel, as these artists do, demands a certain physical and psychological toughness; there are long hours in the studio, recognition often comes slowly and the income is frequently precarious.

It takes an inner conviction and a continuing compulsion to create in order to succeed in this profession where the drop-out rate of younger sculptors is so high. May Barrie, Irwin Fabian and Inge King have all lasted the distance.

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Images:

Top Right: Inge King at her exhibition, 2009, Australian Galleries, Melbourne. Photograph Caroline Field,   courtesy Australian Galleries.

Bottom Left: Erwin Fabian in his studio. Photograph courtesy Australian Galleries

Bottom Right: May Barrie wearing her favourite colours. Photograph Tori De Mestre.