Ken Beatty

Ken Beatty ---Sculptor of air

These pages exhibit some of one of Australia's most unique sculptors and innovators in an art form that today that is mostly taken for granted. The examples of monumental sculptures displayed here represent the roots and foundation of this art form and spans some 30 years of development and innovation - the life work of Ken Beatty - a man who has never accepted NO as an answer and believed that nothing is impossible.

While it may seem quaint in this day of computers Ken still works from scaled models to develop his patterns and like all sculptors, he cannot see the day that he can develop his forms without the feel of his hands. The secret to the forms that he creates is in the planning stage. For each one a scaled model is made and carefully sectioned for patterns and panels. The pieces are ultrasonically welded and days and sometimes weeks and months are needed to complete the larger and more complex forms.

Lately he has moved away from working with PVC coated fabrics and prefers kite cloth for its light weight and transparency and lighting possibilities.

Octopussy was made from a fluorescent white example of this new kite cloth which is very much like like spinnaker cloth.

These two birds were made for a public event in New Guinea. The one on the left is "The Cockatoo that ate Turrumurra". The Toucan on the right barely made the big show as it was accidentally speared during the ceremonial dance rehearsals on several occasions and by ShowTime looked a little worse for wear.

The uses for this medium are unlimited. As advertising product displays or children's playthings, the whole structure can be deflated, popped into a carry bag and easily transported. All one needs at the destination is a lot of air.

Is that Graham Kennedy in this?

Lit from within?

And the everlasting battery!

Click here for - Biography