BRETT MON GARLING 

“I feel fortunate in that I have always known what it was that I wanted to do with my life. In many ways I feel my life has already been pre-written and I’m reading along eager to see what the next chapter holds in stall.”

Brett ‘Mon' Garling was born in Pambula in1970. His childhood was spent in the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge where the Australian Outback and its characters, both animal and human, enlightened his soul and gave him endless subjects to stir his imagination.

His nickname ‘mon’ was given to him at the early age of three. It’s short for ‘monster’ not because he was a terrible child but because of his early fascination with anatomy. So engrossed was he that he collected dead animals, explored their inner workings and reconstructed the bones to use as sketching models. This collecting over the years ranged from insects to whale bones and has never stopped

His teen years were spent at the foothills of Nandewar Ranges in the town of Narrabri. A beautiful place where the landscape touched and inspired him. ‘Mon’s’ artistic heritage dates back to the second fleet with the arrival of his Great forbearer, Frederick Garling, who acted as the crown solicitor for the New Colony and also spent much of his time painting.

His son, also Frederick, went on to becoming a renowned water colourist capturing much of the Harbour Life of the New Colony.

His fascination with family history creates endless material to inspire new works. A photo collection left behind, dating back to early last century, capturing much of the rural history of the Garling Family, a much cherished source of inspiration and pride.

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 used the Greats such as Streeton and Roberts as roll 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’ has already in his short career had numerous exhibitions both solo and group and has works in Private and Corporate collections around the world.

He is a member of the Sculptors Society and a founding member of the Stockman Artists of Australia. ‘Mon’ is already regarded as one of Australia’s best figurative sculptors with many art lovers likening his talent for sculpturing in bronze to the great Frederick Remington. His works are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

‘Mon’ is a regular exhibitor with Kevin Hills “TOP TEN” Australian Artists.