Spotlight On: Bernice Lowe, sculptor, TBSSS alumni & former TBSSS teacher

Bernice in the Life Study at TBSSS

Name: Bernice Lowe

What years did you attend classes at TBSSS?

I attended full time classes at Broadway from 1989-1994, then taught the Life Study and Workshop classes at Erskineville from 2004 to 2018.

What was unique about your TBSSS experience?

TBSSS is a unique L’atelier sculpture school that focuses on teaching the essential language of sculptural abstract form.

What was your first impression walking in to TBSSS at Broadway?

After negotiating the four lane traffic on busy Broadway and clambering up the wooden staircase, I ascended into a large workshop, shafts of afternoon light pierced the studio , crossed the workbenches and shone on the sculptures. I had just discovered Sydney’s main L’atelier sculpture school run solely by Tom Bass and a vibrant creative community.

What was your first impression of Tom?

Meeting Tom with his white hair, white beard with white plaster splattered on his white jacket. His perceptive gaze which was magnified by his glasses.

What is your fondest memory of Tom and the Studio?

So many fond memories. Tom’s dedication to his school. In the morning he would arrive and pause just inside front door, as if to inhale deeply the energy of the studio and to recharge for a day of teaching. Sometimes he would refuel with a cup of tea or if it was later in the day, he would find his teaching inspiration in a glass of red wine, which he would sometimes place on his walker and finish later while he did his teaching rounds. I’m extremely fond of the clay bin, it’s full of stories, imagination, sculptures and inspiration.

How have your studies at the TBSSS prepared you for your practice?

I learnt how to express my ideas clearly in the sculptural language of abstract form. I established a rigour and discipline that enables self critic of my work and to search for a resolution in my projects.

What is your favourite medium to work in?

Modelling in clay.

What lessons / skills / concepts have stayed with you from your time at TBSSS? 

Making a sculpture takes one on a journey of creative problem solving. I’m of the opinion this has helped me to apply the skill of lateral thinking in other areas of my life.

Tom’s lessons on abstraction, have helped me to see beyond the surface, to perceive the essence in the object.

Some Tom quotes I remember: “We don’t make it look the way it looks, we make it work the way it works.” “Proportion comes when you stop measuring.” “Use the light as a tool.”

What inspires your practice today?

Creating harmony within space, currently that space is my garden. I’m still working with clay but using a spade and some good compost.

Tell us about the works you are exhibiting as part of the 50th exhibition:

“Florence” (above right)

Florence was my last life study made in 2017. Just after I stopped teaching the life class, Ingrid Morley was a guest teacher for the life study, I valued her input and enrolled.

“Jacqui” (above left)

An earlier life study from 2004. Initially I named this piece “Interlude” as the life model had trained as a professional dancer and this seated pose was reflective and resting, but held a poise, as if she was taking a short interlude in a performance. I changed the name to “Jacqui” to acknowledge the life model and the wonderful discipline she bought into each pose. Jacqui had the strength and ability to hold a pose and even when returning from a break, she had the discipline to resume that identical pose.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am privileged to have received several years of close mentoring by Tom Bass in the life study. Tom regarded his teaching of the life study as a golden thread of transmission passed down from his teachers and their teachers before them. He valued the discipline of the life study classes, where he taught the essential lessons that could help to develop and extend a sculptors skills.

Thank you Bernice!