Dr. Richard Shortland Cooper

A sculptor and author Richard Shortland Cooper is known for merging the techniques of traditional carving with contemporary sculpture. His early career saw him working in security and as a prison officer before taking up his studies in art as an adult student. In 1995 he began studying at the Elam School of Fine Art culminating in a Doctorate in Fine Arts in 2004. In 2001 he became the first New Zealander to be invited to participate in the International Sculpture Symposium in France and later in 2002 he was awarded a Pacific Innovation and Excellence award from Creative New Zealand. His works mostly use the mediums of steel, concrete, wood or bronze and have been exhibited throughout New Zealand, Australia, France, Japan, Canada and the United States of America. Richard is also the author of two book, Kaitiaki Mentors and My Journey, a book that draws on his experiences in the logging industry transitioning into a career as an artist and educator.