Master Sculptor / Lead Sculptor and Assistants

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Master Sculptor / Lead Sculptor to design and construct a 6-metre reinforced-concrete standing Buddha statue, together with associated works, at a Buddhist temple in the South Eastern Suburbs of Victoria, Australia.

Key responsibilities

• Developing the artistic concept and artwork in accordance with the traditions of the Gandhara school and relevant Buddhist artistic traditions.

• Constructing the statue's base structure in accordance with the details and requirements provided by the Structural Engineer.

• Sculpting and casting the standing Buddha statue, ensuring accurate traditional proportions, posture, expression and iconographic details.

• Managing the work site and supervising assistant sculptors and other relevant personnel to ensure the project is completed to the required standard.

• Managing concrete pouring, curing, reinforcement, and associated construction processes to achieve long-term outdoor durability.

• Working closely with the Architect, Structural Engineer, and other project consultants.

• Detailing the Buddha's facial features, robes, hands and other elements to convey an authentic sense of serenity, compassion, and peace.

• Ensuring construction activities comply with applicable Victorian workplace health and safety, building, and structural requirements.

• Coordinating the artistic and construction program to meet project milestones, deadlines, and budget requirements.

About you

• Proven experience in designing and constructing monumental or large-scale concrete Buddha statues of 15 feet (approximately 4.5 metres) or greater.

• Extensive knowledge of Buddhist sculpture and traditional statue-making techniques.

• A deep understanding of the Gandhara and Amaravati artistic traditions, together with Sri Lankan traditional Buddhist aesthetic and statue-construction practices.

• Strong knowledge of Buddhist iconography, traditional proportions, mudras, posture, and aesthetic principles.

• Demonstrated ability to develop concept designs and translate them into a completed monumental sculpture that is appropriate for its architectural and cultural setting.

• Experience working with reinforced concrete and other materials and processes relevant to large-scale outdoor sculpture.

• Ability to work on-site in the Eastern Suburbs of Victoria.

• Strong project-management, scheduling and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively with architects, structural engineers, contractors, assistants and temple representatives.

• A strong commitment to quality, authenticity, safety and attention to detail.