THE PETER KOVACSY BOOK

By Dave Roberts

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The South West seems to be able to deliver pretty much the best of everything.  Some things we’re known for, in other fields we seem to have one or two people beavering away, doing top quality work and getting recognition far from home, bringing credit to the region.

Some time back we became aware of a book written and published in the South West.  Donnybrook author Diana Roberts had written a text for a book about internationally collected and awarded glass sculptor Peter Kovacsy, who could work anywhere but has chosen Pemberton, where he lives and from where he draws his inspiration.  At the time of it’s publication we didn’t write the story, and we kind of regretted it, but another release has come through, and both the artist and the book are too good to pass up as subjects for an article. We only write good news stories.  This is two of them.  Peter Kovacsy is a lad made good.  He grew up in the suburbs of Perth, and didn’t seek an academic career, but took up building and made frequent trips top work in the South West.  As time went by he developed and refined his skills and moved to fine woodcraft, until he moved again, to a medium that would stretch his technical and artistic skills even further… glass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The book reflects the progress of the man and the work.  Written by local art historian and curator, Diana Roberts, it’s something of a rarity in that it is written, photographed, and published right here in the region, about a practice that’s sited here as well.  It’s not a difficult read, and it’s exquisite to look at.

Diana has an international career in galleries and museums in her CV, with the most recent being a two year contract as the Director of Bunbury Regional Art Galleries.  The draw to return to academia for long enough to gain her PhD coincided with marriage and a need to spend some time on a small farming enterprise, so the security of a regular wage was relinquished.  In for a penny, in for a pound, goes the saying, so Diana threw herself into one more enterprise.  As usual, she only does things one way.  Fortunately Peter has very similar approaches to quality and the book was only ever going to be an absolute gem.  As the press release below shows, it’s not just us who are impressed.

Peter Kovacsy – a Studio Practice has been short-listed for a prestigious national printing and publishing award by the Galley Club of Sydney.

The Galley Club of Sydney has been celebrating excellence in book and magazine production for 30 years.  The annual awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the individuals, publishers and printers who have excelled in book production in the preceding year.

Designed and published by Peter Kovacsy, with a forward by renowned West Australian photographer Richard Woldendorp, Peter Kovacsy – a Studio Practice was launched in Perth in 2006.  The book tells the story of Peter’s creative development from fine woodcraft to kiln-cast glass, and the foundation of his studio gallery in Pemberton.

“The production quality of this book illustrates Peter’s skill and dedication to his art practice” says art historian and author Diana Roberts, who wrote the copy for the book. 

“Peter supervised every stage of production.  It’s another form of creative expression, and his beautiful photographs illustrate the depth of his artistic talents.  It’s a great achievement to be short-listed for an award along with publications from some of the country’s most prestigious publishers.”   

Peter Kovacsy opened his award winning studio gallery in Pemberton in 1990 to display his collection of work and give people an opportunity to observe his working methods.  In 2002 he transferred his creative focus from fine wood to kiln-cast glass, and now operates the only privately-owned kiln in Western Australia capable of producing large scale cast glass sculpture.  Peter’s work is represented in many national and international collections including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Wesfarmers collection, and the Detroit Institute of Art.

The 2007 Annual Awards for Excellence in Book and Magazine Production will be announced at a dinner hosted by the Galley Club of Sydney on 15th June.

Peter Kovacsy – a Studio Practice is available in hardback (case bound) and softback covers from various outlets in the South West of Western Australia, the Art Gallery of Western Australia bookshop, the National Gallery bookshop, and direct from the artist’s studio in Pemberton by contacting www.peterkovacsy.com

So have we uncovered a winner?  Have we uncovered two?  I’ve struggled with this part of the story for two weeks and I’ve decided that the answer isn’t that important.  Peter’s art is selling all over the place, the book has sold enough copies that it doesn’t owe him anything in less than a year, and there is a steady flow of people through his studio/ gallery.

In Diana’s case, it’s early to tell.  She’s certainly proven she can write, and the project has received industry recognition as well as commercial success.  Her studies continue as her main project, though, and whether this other pursuit leads to more books will be decided some time in the future.

We’ve held the story for so long that by the time many of you read it, the decision will be made.  Check back in a while and we can let you know whether they went from finalists to taking out the prize.

June 2007