[CDU eNews] ALICE SPRINGS MAN, 69, TURNS TO SCULPTURE

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Alice student's future set in stone

He's nearly 70 and loves being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Peter Healy began studying sculpture because he wanted to be fit and
healthy and do something.

"I can relate to those people who take up study at all ages," he said
today. "It keeps you stimulated, fresh, alive. This is a great outlet for
my frustrations, as I need to focus. It's totally relaxing."

Now in his second year of the VET Certificate II in Visual Arts and
Contemporary Craft at Charles Darwin University in Alice Springs, the
69-year-old retired pensioner began as an apprentice motor mechanic in
1955, employed by Mack Trucks Australia to troubleshoot roadtrains.

"Wherever there was a Mack, there was Peter Healy," he said. "And that's
how I came to the Northern Territory. One day I drove around the corner to
Alice Springs, it was just after a drought broke, and I fell instantly in
love with the place."

Peter then worked for 10 years with Gorey and Cole. "They taught me to be a
Territorian," he said.

Besides many other jobs, and a heart bypass operation when he was 58, Peter
was also one of the original members of what is now the Finke Desert Race.

"The finish line at Finke was chosen because that is where my wife and I
got bogged!" Peter also completed nine races on a motorcycle.

Peter started sculpture classes at the beginning of 2004 because he ran out
of things to do around the house.

"I originally worked with sticks, wood, glass, clay and stone. I produced a
couple of pieces out of local sandstone - Quasimodo, with my house number
on it, and a sundial for my front garden. Since then I've gone on to create
a water feature using grey water and utilising my old skills on the
drilling rigs.

"I find stone a much better medium to work with because it feels like I've
created something with it. It brings out the resolve in me because there is
no room for error. It teaches me patience, self-control and resolution.
These are qualities I never knew existed in me.

"As a diesel mechanic I had to become the engine in my mind so I could get
into the machinery in my mind and diagnose the fault. It is the same with
stone. I become part of the object. I can visualise the end result. I love
the exhilaration of the journey as I put my mind on to the stone."

Sculpture uses a combination of Peter's previous life experiences.

"I'm never sure of what the link is until I apply it. The completion of a
project is great, but then I just move on to the next piece. This doesn't
teach me ego, just to enjoy the excitement of using my own abilities."

Peter's favourite piece is his largest, and the most technical; a sundial
incorporating the zodiac signs.

"It took me around 50 to 60 hours of hard slog. Then there was the setting
up to align true north and get the hours spot on. This work, more than any
other, made me conscious of what I was doing."

As well as further experimentation and devising his own techniques, Peter
applied the skills and knowledge of lecturer Henry Smith.

"Henry is a brilliant and patient teacher. He can visualise what you are
trying to achieve, seeing what you are seeing. He keeps you on track and
helps you adapt your errors, turning a negative into a positive, so you can
complete your work."

The admiration is mutual.

"Peter is an enthusiastic student who applies what he is learning
skillfully and creatively," Mr Smith said. "This course caters for novices
and students with experience, alike, so people like Peter should have no
fear about getting into study."

And what inspires Peter?

"Perseverance. I find that if I get a mental block I just have to think of
how I'm on earth for only a short time and my perseverance gives me
incredible exhilaration when I step around that blockage. I get
satisfaction from completion, even more so when I've completed well. I'm
flying on a cloud."

Peter encourages students of all ages and all interests to do something
about study next semester.

"Knowledge is not a burden or weight; it is something you can easily carry
around with you forever."

For more information regarding study at Charles Darwin University contact
the Uni Info Shop in Alice Springs on 1800 654 865.


Henry Smith and Peter Healy are available for interview


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K