2022 Robert Foster F!NK National Metal Prize

Tragically, Robert’s life was taken from us in a
car accident on 13 July 2016. Since this time, it
has been Gretel’s focus to keep Robert’s legacy
alive and to encourage others to invest in learning,
experimenting and exploring the art of
designing and making with metal. This is what
he would have continued to do, if his life was
not cut so short. At the time of his death he had
numerous exciting plans and projects in front of
him. Gretel wanted this prize and exhibition to
not only celebrate the affection and admiration
we all held for Robert, but to reflect his continuing
influence and showcase the extraordinary
talent and diversity of metal makers in Australia
today, whilst also showing the breadth and
depth of ways that metal can be formed.
Robert was a long-term, respected and active
member of Craft ACT. He became an Accredited
Professional Member in 1993, so it seemed
fitting to Gretel to collaborate with Craft ACT
for this Metal Prize given their commitment
to metal crafts and Robert’s great respect and
admiration for the organization. The careers of
all three of the Metal Prize’s judges have intertwined
with Robert’s career and share his love
for metal.
As a journalist back in 1999, Ewan McEoin witnessed
Robert explosive forming his vases out
in a back paddock in Queanbeyan, instilling in
him a love and respect for metal. He is now the
Senior Curator of Contemporary Design and
Architecture at National Gallery of Victoria.
Brian Parkes and Robert crossed many paths
starting when Brian was at the National Gallery
of Australia in 1998, later at Object Gallery in
Sydney and again as the Chief Executive Officer
at The Jam Factory in Adelaide.
Finally, this prize and exhibition would not be
possible if it weren’t for the incredible generosity
and support from Roger and Maxine Tall from
the Tall Foundation. They have been incredibly
supportive of the Canberra arts and craft community
at large and have pledged their continuing
support in the future so that this significant
prize and exhibition can continue in the years
ahead.
Rohan Nicol collaborated with Robert back
in 1998 on the FINK Bracelet when he was an
emerging metalsmith. They continued to be
close associates during Rohan’s Time as the
Head of the Metal Working Department at the
Australian National University. Rohan is now the
Associate Head of School, Creative Arts and Media,
Associate Professor of Fine Art, University of
Tasmania.