Pioneer John Bussell to join the Busselton Settlement Art Project

By Tyneal Palmer  Acclaimed Fremantle sculptor Greg James has been busily working on his latest instalment for the ongoing Busselton Settlement Art Project. A bronze statue of John Garrett Bussell, the founder of Busselton, will be the third of six sculptures displayed around the centre of the city, joining Greg’s other pieces The Whaler’s Wife and The Busselton Timber Cutter. “When I’m working with this piece, I know the expectation is that we’re going to have a sort of, almost heroic gentleman,” says Greg. “And as I’m designing this I’m trying to come up with how he’s going to work in the street, I’ve got to think of where’s he looking, why’s he looking there, and what’s the relevance of that.” Funded by the people of Busselton, the money raised allows Greg to complete and install each sculpture individually. “As they [residents of Busselton] raise money for one, as soon as I finish this, I can start on the next one, and they already have enough money for the next sculpture,” says Greg. Although Greg established his studio at the Fremantle J Shed in 1992, this is his first project in Busselton. Busselton resident, Christine Hofman, says the sculptures already in place are attracting lots of attention. “Not only are they eye catching, they also instigated a history lesson for my son and myself,” she says. “The statues are popular with locals and tourists alike with many taking photos in various poses.” Although slightly behind schedule, Greg says he hopes to have his John Bussell statue finished and presented to the city by the end of July.