CV

 Brett ‘Mon’ Garling   F.A.I.H.A  Dip.Ed.

 Born with a fascination for anatomy, Brett gained the nickname of ‘Monster’ at age five, from his early collecting of bones and animal specimens. ‘Monster’ was quickly shortened to ‘Mon’ and the name stuck. Brett is widely known as ‘Mon’ to friends and collectors alike.

‘Mon’ was born in Pambula, 1970, and spent his childhood in rural towns such as Baradine , Lightning Ridge , Narrabri and Dubbo, where his love of the bush and its characters were nurtured. These themes now play a dominant role in his work.

Completely self taught, ‘Mon’ takes great pride in the fact that the influences of the modern art world have not clouded nor plagued his development. Instead he has used the greats such as Streeton, Roberts, Hoff and Gilbert as role models.

Fascinated also by the technical aspects of casting in bronze has led him to establish his own foundry where his works are cast.

‘Mon’ is now widely regarded as an expert in the field of sculpture and casting and is sought after as a speaker on the subject.

He was awarded a Fellowship in September, 2006, by the Australian Institute of History and Arts in recognition of his many years of contribution to the field of Traditional Sculpture, thus joining other prominent Australians entitled to place the letters F.A.I.H.A.. after their names.

A multi award-winning artist, ‘Mon’ has works in private and corporate collections world wide, including The Rural Press, Carlton and United, Dubbo City Council, Narromine City Council, Parramatta Stadium, National Parks and wildlife, HRH Prince Edward, Comedian John Cleese, Boeing Australia and the Outback Writers Ass., just to name a few.

He has a growing list of life-size civic commissions including, rugby league great, Ray Price; cricketing legend , Glenn McGrath; a horse and rider tribute to ‘Banjo’ Paterson’s , ‘The Man From Snowy River’ and a life-size Aboriginal father and son piece for The Department of Environment and Climate Change.

In 2004, ‘Mon’ opened his own Gallery where a permanent collection of his Sculptures and paintings are exhibited in conjunction with his foundry and sculpture gardens.

He has had over forty group and solo exhibitions and is an exhibiting member of the Sculptors Society.

He has been included in the book, Top Ten Australian Artists (2005), and has been a feature on the ABC ‘Landline’ program.

He is also a regular contributor to Artist Palette magazine, writing articles on drawing, painting and sculpture technique.