Biography
Born in Nelson in 1965, Phil Price was educated in Christchurch and specialised in sculpture at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts, graduating in 1990. He worked initially as an artist’s technical assistant and then in a variety of positions in the art world, in education and in composite engineering. Price's sculptures have a reputation for their unique and innovative use of contemporary materials and processes.
Since 2000 New Zealand born Phil Price has focused on wind activated kinetic sculpture. He is regarded as the foremost kinetic sculptor of his generation, with his work being widely acknowledged for its breath taking beauty, evocation of the natural world, and extraordinary design.
His use of carbon fibre composite construction is unparalleled in regards the synergy he is able to achieve between form and kinetic functionality. The sculptures evolve from the artist’s intimate drawings and concepts, through to computer generated digital renderings and animations, to fully realised sculptures.
Price’s insistence on keeping all of the creative and construction elements in house allows him to experiment and explore within his own sanctuary, and ensure absolute quality control. His natural fascination with and intuitive feel for materials, processes, and engineering delivers what can only be described as extraordinary moving objects.
Designed to withstand extremes of climate and temperature, the sculptures have been successfully installed everywhere from fierce coastal situations to busy urban environments and everywhere in between.
Phil Price has created major international public and private projects including Cytoplasm Auckland Viaduct basin; Tree of Life, McClelland Gallery Victoria; Nucleus, Hamilton Victoria; Snake, Aarhus Denmark. His work is held in numerous collections internationally, including Austria, Holland, Switzerland, the U.S.A, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.In 2008 a major exhibition of new works toured New Zealand and internationally. Price lives and works between Lyttleton, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia.