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| Staff Writer |
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In the thrilling domain of racing, where speed and elegance unite, one artist has taken on the extraordinary challenge of capturing the unique essence of iconic racehorses. Tanya Bartlett, a master sculptor with a profound love for horses, was commissioned to create a life-size bronze sculpture celebrating the spirit and legacy of Winx.
Commissioned by Inglis in 2017, The Yearling stands as a testament to her unparalleled artistry and vision. This monumental piece goes beyond mere physical representation to embody the vibrant energy and grace of racing’s finest.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Bartlett's creative process, her inspiration, and the challenges she faces in bringing these magnificent animals to life in her work.
You've sculpted many Australian sporting legends, but racehorses hold a special place. What is it about Thoroughbred racing that particularly inspires your work?
I have grown up with horses and ponies of all different shapes and sizes in my lifetime. Each one of these horses has had its own unique personality and physical characteristics. But the Thoroughbred can’t help but stand out in the crowd of equine athletes! When in full motion, its musculature is quite extraordinary. So that’s the inspiration, along with the stunning beauty of the Thoroughbred. The challenge is to capture that magnificence and fluidity in a sculpture and to emphasise something of the horse’s unique attributes.
Can you walk us through developing a concept for a horse sculpture like The Yearling? How do you capture the essence of the animal and its story?
Every sculpture project begins with the idea or the concept. Once an idea is put forward, it is then developed with input both the artist and the commissioning body.
We had a very short time frame to complete The Yearling project, so we had to cut to the chase very quickly. Inglis had some strong ideas up front and was keen for me to tackle a rearing colt with a handler. It made sense and worked perfectly in the proposed location outside the hotel.
I don’t think any other pose would have surpassed especially when we decided to sculpt a female handler. She is quite petite, so this really emphasises the power and spirit of the young horse yet shows the confidence and ease of a well-versed handler.
Horses can be so dangerous and somewhat unpredictable. But a good horse handler can read a horse, give it the confidence to stick around and minimise its reaction as a fright/ flight animal. That is what we have captured here: the colt's strength and athleticism. Although the colt is on edge, he is still listening to the handler.
For any sculpture you do, how do you approach research to ensure you capture her physical form and her racing spirit?
I spend a good deal of time watching footage, looking at images, and talking to people. However, most importantly, and if possible, I spend some quality time with the horse.
Can you give us a glimpse into the technical aspects of creating a large-scale bronze sculpture like Winx? What are the key stages involved?
Stage one involves the development of the concept and creation of the maquette or small ¼ or ⅓ size model.
Stage two moves on to enlarging the model. In recent years, I have begun using 3D scanning to enlarge the model and then a CNC machine to mill a life-size foam armature, which I coat in clay and work on the detail. The old method was a much longer process and involved an awful lot of dropping plumb lines, welding steel and fleshing out in chicken wire and then clay.
In stage three, master moulds are made from which wax copies of the original model are created.
Stage four is when the foundry work begins, and the lost wax method of bronze casting begins.
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How do you use artistic techniques to imbue your sculptures with emotion, be it the power of a racehorse or the spirited energy of a yearling?
When creating Winx, we needed all her characteristics: strength, power, beauty, but mostly, we wanted to celebrate her spirit and her brilliance. So rather than position her in a gallop pose, she is in a slightly stylised trot pose returning to the crowd. Winx’s unique physical attributes that make her the mare she is have been slightly exaggerated artistically, so it’s hoped that the sculpture is unmistakably her.
Is there a difference in artistic approach when creating a sculpture like Winx that's larger than life compared to a life-sized piece?
Oh yes. There are a lot of difficulties with getting proportions right when going 10% bigger. It’s always challenging. Needless to say, Winx is larger than life in spirit and in legend - she had to be sculpted larger than life!
How does it feel to see your sculptures like Winx placed in prominent public spaces, becoming part of the racing experience for fans?
It’s a great reward. Winx was so well received, which was awesome, but also scary, as she has such a huge fan club! It takes some time to move past the memories of hours spent in the studio, sometimes the sleepless nights of doubt and the fear of not ever finishing, but that passes.
How do you capture the historical significance of your subjects, such as Redoute’s Choice or Percy Sykes?
Oh, I had such a soft spot for Redoute’s Choice. He was quite the character indeed. Arrowfield have been wonderful clients. They put their trust in me very early on in my career.
John Messara also commissioned me to sculpt Percy Sykes for the farm. So yes, I guess all my sculptures play a significant role in preserving history and the legacies of animals and people. I am pleased to have been able to assist with this.
Tommy Smith is also an early work of mine at Randwick. I love that he is positioned next to the Trainers’ Hut and is part of the everyday scene when the horses are out and about doing trackwork in the early mornings at Randwick.
Do you have any future projects in the works that celebrate Thoroughbred racing? What continues to inspire you in this realm?
I’ve had a little break from the big sculptures lately. My focus has been on my own projects. I had some secret squirrel work to do last year and have some smaller private commissions to get to.
I have also been enjoying my equestrian pursuits in eventing and dressage with my young home-bred warm-blood Thoroughbred horse. My riding had taken a back seat with so much work on the go, so I am really enjoying being back in the saddle.
As we conclude our conversation with Bartlett, it is clear that her passion for Thoroughbred racing and her remarkable talent have enabled her to create something truly special. From concept to completion, her process is marked by attention to detail, dedication, and a deep understanding of the horses she seeks to capture. Her sculptures are not just physical representations but also evoke the spirit and legacy of the horses that have inspired them.
As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see what projects Bartlett has in store for us. Whether it's capturing the essence of the legendary Winx or a great champion like Redoute's Choice, one thing is certain – her artistry will continue to inspire and delight horse racing fans around the world.