The Dutch Courier
is a monthly
publication,
published on behalf
of the Associated
Netherlands
Societies in
Victoria Inc.
PETER SCHIPPERHEYN
His art and vision
--PAGE 3--
Even as a very small child, Peter showed his power of observation and his ability to put it down on paper. Most teachers admired his talent, only one thought it a waste of time and in his end of the year report card suggested Peter “…should refrain from illustrating all his work.” One of his earliest “portraits” is a drawing he did of his mother when he was 7 years old.
Sport has always been important in Australia. Peter was not a big boy but excelled at sport and won a few events at the annual inter school sports events. Years after Peter had left primary school and after several articles had been published about him and his work, his former principal was asked whether he remembered Peter. After a few seconds he replied “Yes, he was only a little tyke but he was a terrific little runner” At high school Peter played football, he was fast and good rover. Big players on the opposing team would try to knock him out to get rid of him. After one such match Peter’s friends arrived at our doorstep with the exciting news that “Skip’s nose is all over his face” Skip was more worried about the bruising in his kidney area than his broken nose. To the dismay of his football coach, Peter decided to give football away, and concentrated on tennis, painting, drawing and sculpting. Had he continued with sport, he might have become a good footballer, instead he continued with his art, and has now created Australia’s largest male bronze nude! A good career choice!
Peter Schipperheyn:
pschippe@bigpond.net.au
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
Next month’s edition of the Dutch Courier will have a story about a South Australian Sculptor called Talc Alf, or to use his full name: Cornelius van Alferink. I would like to be able to write more about Dutch born or of Dutch descent Australian artists from other States but I have no contacts there. If you are or know of an artist could you please contact me via my e-mail address ann@dutchcourier.com
Ann Schipperheyn.
