Shona Nunan, born in 1959, has been an artist for as long as she can remember, growing up immersed in her father’s studio. A formative period of her childhood was spent living in the Australian outback, where she first encountered the ancient markings of Australia’s First Peoples — cave paintings and stone etchings that left a profound and lasting impression. These early experiences have shaped her enduring artistic vision: a deep connection to the earth and our collective belonging to it.
Although her primary medium is bronze, Shona’s creative process always begins with plaster, which she models rapidly, carving and etching directly into the surface to bring her forms to life. Her works retain a raw, tactile quality, echoing both ancient art and contemporary expression.
Shona’s themes are deeply archetypal, exploring universal symbols of life, protection, and transformation. Among her most iconic forms are:
- The Guardians — monumental figures embodying protection, balance, and partnership, representing forces of night and day, yin and yang.
- The Woman or the Mother — a profound exploration of the feminine, celebrating abundance, fertility, and the cycles of life.
- The Horse and Rider — a powerful symbol of the Journey of Life, where the horse represents the inner self and the rider symbolizes the conscious self. Together, they reflect the dynamic relationship between inner and outer worlds as we navigate life’s path.
These archetypes allow Shona to explore themes of belonging, strength, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature.
Shona Nunan lives and works with her husband, artist Michael-Francis Cartwright, maintaining studios in Provence (France), Tuscany (Italy), and Australia. Their shared artistic journey continues to inspire both their lives and work. They have two sons, both of whom have followed in their footsteps as sculptors.
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A film by Hugo Cavalier