Black and white photographs of an older man making surfboards and the surfboard making process. Several photographs are printed traditionally and three are printed on surfboard shapes.

SHORE – Sydney Church of England Grammar School

Gamaragal Country

The Dying Art of The Hand Shaper

Collection of Works

Photograph, video, surfboards

My body of work is an investigation into the intricate dynamic between technological advancement and the inevitable erosion of artisanal expertise. Large-scale monochromatic photographs, coupled with a photographic storybook and short film, examine the practice of a seasoned surfboard handshaper to represent how the vibrancy of authentic expression is fading. Paradoxically, my surfboards are made of fibreglass, so the dying craft of an artisan is illustrated on a material that does not decompose. My intention is to encourage audiences to reflect upon the consequences of the relentless pursuit for technological advancement, and to cherish expressions of individualism that define humanity.

My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Vernon Ah Kee, Michael Dweck, Walter Benjamin, Andy Warhol.

ARTEXPRESS 2024 is a collaboration between NSW Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority, curated and presented by Hazelhurst Arts Centre.