Abby Parkes is a professional artist living in Sydney, Australia.
She came to sculpture inspired by a love of the natural world.
Study in art was preceded by a career as a veterinary surgeon practicing in England and Australia. Her training and a love for the outdoors has seen her work with endangered species in the Yukon Delta region of Alaska, travel 2500km on horseback through Australia’s Great Dividing Range, and race all manner of sailing craft in Australia, Europe and America.
Training and working with a commercial bronze casting foundry has helped her master her chosen material.
An ongoing commitment to the study of the figurative sculptural tradition keeps her work grounded in its origins. The beautifully observed animal studies of Antoine Barye, the serenity and gravity of Maillol’s figures and the lightness of Degas’ sculptures provide a constant source of inspiration.
Education
2002 Bachelor of Fine Art, Honours (Sculpture)
National Art School, Sydney, Australia
2000 Bachelor of Fine Art (Sculpture)
National Art School, Sydney, Australia
1989 Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons)
University of Sydney, Australia
