Jason Gillespie, Adelaide Oval
Ken was asked to create the first of the bronze sculptures at the newly redeveloped Adelaide Oval in 2010. Key reasons for him being commissioned to sculpt Jason Gillespie is his ability to capture life, energy and movement in sculpture while producing a detailed full body portrait.
Jason Gillespie was a dynamic fast bowler with a remarkable National and International Cricket career record, including 259 Test wickets for Australia. His bowling action left an indelible impression on the minds of cricket fans around the world.
This was a wonderful opportunity for Ken to not only express Jason’s character but also his persona on the cricket field. The animation of this fast bowler, his unique action and the determination and aggression required to claim the opponent’s wicket all come through in this composition.
During the sculptural process Ken met with Jason, using the maquette to establish his correct action. The follow through of the right arm, placement of all limbs and steely gaze down the pitch.
Ken: “I told Jason I noticed in photos a dark area on the toe of his left boot and enquired as to whether this was a patch to which he replied; “No, I cut a hole in the end of my boot to take the pressure off my big toe when it hit the ground as I deliver the ball”. “Since retiring, this is the first time in ten years I have had a toe nail on my big toe.”
Ken introduced this and other small details such as a callous which formed on the inside of Jason’s index finger as a result of working the ball. The Choreography of this study expressing Jason’s bowling action at the point of releasing the ball was a challenge Ken relished.
Life Size: 200cm H
Bronze
Adelaide Oval
