Nelson sculptor up for national award

A Nelson sculptor has been chosen as a finalist in a prestigious national competition.

Vicki Charles has been a sculptor for 30 years, mainly as a hobbyist in Melbourne.

“I had kids, a mortgage, and was an accountant, so my saviour was going to sculpture classes every week, which I did for 20 years,” she says.

“I love the expression you can get from a lump of mud.”

Vicki has just had two of her ceramic sculptures selected for the national Richard T Nelson Awards for Sculpture for 2023.

This is the third year running she has been a finalist in the competition.

The awards exhibition, featuring works by 36 artists from around the country, will be held at this year’s NZ Art Show in Wellington at Queen’s Birthday Weekend in June.

Her work will be considered for one of six awards - the premier prize of $15,000, and six $1000 highly commended prizes.

“I feel really honoured to be selected as a finalist,” she says.

Vicki says her work is based on ancient civilizations, particularly the Sumerians.

She uses hieroglyphics in her work, which she scratches into her pieces, called cuneiform.

“Back then, people knew how to read symbols. I am sort of reverting back to that language.”

Some sculptures take her just three hours to create.

“That one was fantastic, but some can take a couple of days. Sometimes taking a little bit longer is better for me because I can see the mistakes.”

Vicki moved to New Zealand eight years ago and is now officially a Kiwi citizen.

“When I first came to New Zealand for a years’ sabbatical, I put together a body of work and put it in the boot of my car to take to galleries - and they took them all,” she says.

“I just started approaching people, I didn’t know who was who. I’ve just got the confidence and that has really helped me move forward here with my work.

“I’m trying to do something different and exciting, and something that stands out.”

Vicki has also been selected for the Cleveland National Arts Awards in Dunedin with a total pool of over $15,000, beginning 6 May. She is also planning on entering a competition in Latvia.

Vicki now runs sculpture lessons from her studio in The Wood.

Businesses and corporate groups can come in for team-building workshops and she’s even hosted a hen’s night party.

“It’s such a joy, they produce some amazing work. For me, it’s not all about my work - it’s about helping other people as well.”

To find out more contact Vicki at vickicharlessculptor@gmail.com