Odyssey Sculpture

Christophe Conder, Born 1980. Lives and works in Sydney, Australia. Christophe’s early interest in sculpture began in Soapstone from the age of 12, and was introduced to the medium of sandstone by his French born mother and sculptor, who, herself, had been fortunate enough to receive invaluable tuition from her neighbour and well-known Sydney sculptor, the late Mitzi McColl, and although completing many clay, hebel stone and award winning sandstone works during his school years, Christophe’s talent remained dormant thereafter for many years through the life distractions of career, travel, and family. Early in 2007, Christophe took a break from his successful business and career as a brand developer to spend more time with his family. This gave Christophe the opportunity to unearth his hammer and chisels and revisit the blocks of sandstones that had been lying dormant awaiting his return in the rear of his garden: he has never looked back… Christophe’s work has been acquired by discerning collectors throughout the world and has exhibited and installed many of his works around the public arena including the Parliament House Sydney, Crown Casino Barangaroo and The Sydney Domain. He has also project managed and delivered many public artworks effectively alongside Council and key project stakeholders across Sydney parks, and hotels. Christophe has also won an array of awards and recommendations throughout his career. Christophe chooses to work from natural Australian sandstone, handpicked from Gosford and Bundanoon quarries; he has a very strong connection with the stone and mentions … “The quality of stones I acquire hold a rich mixture of white, tan/yellowish, pink and beige tones, embedded with heavy iron bands of grain which I attempt to unveil and celebrate in all my pieces…. Sandstone holds many aesthetically pleasing qualities that i admire. I love the raw physical nature of sandstone, it’s colour, it’s texture, touch, durability and the historic history and connection it holds with the earth ” … Sandstone enables the smooth, simplified forms, subtle curves, flowing lines and rounded surfaces found in Christophe’s abstract works, and there are also many variations and combinations of textures waiting to be touched in his pieces. These textures include naturally weathered, frosted by chisels, rasped rough and polished smooth.