In conversation
- Recorded
- 2012
- Length
- 41:15
“The opportunity came along... He had the confidence in us.”
About this conversation
Joan Relke talks to her partner, fellow sculpture and artist, Carl Merten, about his first big commission for the CEO of Sara Lee.
Renowned sculptors, Joan Relke and Carl Merten, talk about their creative works as painters and sculptors. They discuss their decision to live in relative isolation on a hundred acre property outside of Uralla, and how it enabled them to live cheaply and have access to the necessary raw materials and studio space. Both work across a range of media: bronze, steel, ceramics, clay, painting, etc. They discuss their first large commissioned piece based on explorer, Charles Sturt, for Sara Lee CEO, Alan Rogers, which was part of the Australian bicentennial celebrations. Since then they've gone on to become successful sculptors and have been commissioned for a number of other large projects. Both reflect on their work, sources of inspiration, and creative influences.