Some people embody their art practice so fully it becomes an all-consuming way of living. These people are rare. You know when you meet them, their eyes light up as soon as the word art is mentioned. To enter their home is like entering another dimension, tell-tale signs are everywhere. Their world is constructed in such a way that every direction you look the word art comes to mind. Objects are placed in ways that invite questions or contemplation. Nothing is mundane. Your eye is directed with purpose, care and meaning. Conversations are focused keenly because you are inside a living breathing work of art.
I first met one such person within weeks of moving to Daylesford 26 years ago. There was a local discussion group called “Exposure” at the time. A chance to chat and discuss art, ideas and creativity. One man at the meeting had such probing questions and unique angles on everything we discussed that night that he stayed in my mind. He kept popping up at every art event I attended! We always had an intriguing dialogue. He wanted to know what art I was making. He had ideas of things he wanted to make happen too. When we opened Radius Gallery he was there. I knew when he walked through the doors I needed to give a full run down of what was happening, things coming up, did we need help and then details about his next idea or contribution.
Such was his dedication that I knew when he had an idea or show or contribution it would be excellent. Well convinced, fully considered, mapped out and planned with precision. It hasn’t been easy watching this friend age. He has openly shared his battles with cancer, then Parkinson’s. At each twist and turn art was by his side to express, make sense and give meaning. Before the shakes fully took hold he asked to have an exhibition of local ceramics a couple of years ago. He invited 22 ceramists to a group show at Radius. Each person was to display up to 3 works, two they could sell and one was to be donated to the local museum. His idea was to leave a snapshot of this time period as a record with local historians.
He insisted on installing the whole exhibition himself. Plinths kept appearing at the gallery. I became worried that we might not have room to come and go! Over 60 pieces of ceramics arrived. I was allowed to help shift a wall and move one extra large plinth. Else I was to keep out of the way, such was his Dutch determination and conviction. I spent the entire day staring at my screen in the corner pretending to concentrate on emails. The Parkinson’s was already affecting his balance and coordination. I could hear lots of shuffles and a few bangs. A couple of swear words too. All day I waited for the sound of a break. Of course, not a crack. Not a chip. The show was a resounding success from every angle.
You are reading this article because of this person. For many years they crafted articles about art in the local newspaper, The Advocate. When that closed, they started writing here for Wombat Post. They wanted the artist voice to be spread far and wide at every opportunity, but as his health deteriorated it became harder to do a monthly article, so they passed the batten to me.
At first I was nervous. I’m not really a writer. I worried. I laboured each word. Whenever we caught up he would simply say “Good Wombat this month”. After 6 months I said I’m running out of ideas now. He smiled “Just travel back in your mind, there’s always a story to be told”.
I feel honoured to have known this man and call him my friend. An artistic legend, a trail blazer, a mentor and creative to the core. I’m a better artist & writer thanks to you. Fly high Petrus Spronk, you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Petrus conceived his last performance for this year’s Words in Winter Festival before passing. It will be at Radius on the 26th of August. More details on Radius / Words in Winter sites will be coming soon. There will also be a memorial service next week at the Daylesford Town Hall, Friday 10 July 1:30pm
Editorial note: Petrus Spronk died peacefully this week after his long illness. We are profoundly saddened by his death and extraordinarily grateful for his many contributions to the Wombat Post and the community more generally. He truly was a remarkable man.
