Nic Compton
Nic Compton‘s life as a working artist spans three decades in which he has created significant works that remain in private and public realms.
Raised in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Nic is connected to his tupuna, his Maori ancestors through growing up in the same landscape of hills, rivers and deep gullies inland of Lake Wairarapa and the nearby beaches of the south east coast of the North Island, particularly Riversdale Beach, where his grandmother dove for paua on the rocks her grandparents knew.
Growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand and having respect for his Maori culture and heritage, Nic’s work draws on an ancient sensibility. He has a strong passion for carving natural materials such as timber and stone to create works that provoke thought and wonder.
He demonstrates deep appreciation of the classical styles and of good structure as a strong foundation of sculptural form. He believes the work should carry a sense of energy or personal power and authority much like the Maori mana.
Nic works from a studio in the wheatbelt town of York, Western Australia approximately 100 kilometres east of Perth.
In addition to his more intimate, studio based work, Nic has completed many large scale public artworks that continue to be appreciated and enjoyed by Western Australian communities.
2023, Stirling Square Noongar / Whadjuk a collaboration with Sharyn Egan, City of Swan
2022, Brabham Park, Peet Ltd.
2022, Muresk Agricultural Institute, Department of Training and Workforce Development
2021, Maylands Waterland, Josh Byrne and Associates
2021, Pearl Divers and Boat Builders Quarters, Broome, Shire of Broome
2020, Comet, Hammond Park, Vivente, Richard Noble
2019, Chinatown Shopkeepers Sculpture, Shire of Broome
2018, Stolen Generation Acknowledgement, Point Walter Reserve collaboration with Sharyn Egan, City Melville
2016, Pod Seat, Carlisle, City of Victoria Park
2016, Ornate Crevice Dragon, Mundaring Sculpture Park
2015, Spider Park, Buckland Hill, Town of Mosman Park
2014, Saw Avenue Playground and Picnic Area Stage II, Kings Park and Botanic Garden
2014, Arts Centre Quadrangle, Northam Senior High School, Education Department of WA
2014, Imaginarium Playground, Holy Cross Primary School, Ellenbrook
2007, Wooroloo Prison Upgrade, Department of Justice
2000, Rockingham Police Station, Western Australian Police Force
2023, Life Unfurling, Rockingham Arts Centre
2008, Stratified, Gallery East
2004, Metamorganics, Fremantle Arts Centre
2000, Deep Time Trawling , Fremantle Arts Centre
1998, Drum, Kalla Yeedip Gallery, Midland Junction Arts Centre
1997, Whanau Hui, Padbury Gallery, Parkerville Children’s Home
1996, Race Memory, The Verge Gallery
1193, Solo, Gomboc Gallery, Middle Swan
1990, Solo, The Home, Nedlands
2023, Sirens, Gallows Gallery
2020, Sculpture at Bathers Beach, Kidogo Arthouse
2019, View to Asia, Shinju Matsuri, Broome
2018, Northam Art Prize Winner, Shire of Northam
2017, Sculpture in the Harbour, City of Albany
2017, Sculpture at Bathers Beach, Kidogo Arthouse
2015, Matter matters, Gallows Gallery, Mosman Park
2010, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe
2004, Shire of Mundaring Art
The Ian Bernardt Collection
Lloyd and Liz Horn Collection
Gomboc Gallery, Sculpture Park Collection
Wise Vineyard
Paul Wakelam Collection
Dr David Cooke Collection
Sanyi – Miaole Art Museum, Taiwan
Warawarni-gu (Healing) Art Centre, Roebourne
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery
City of Wanneroo
