While Roy’s aptly named sculpture ‘Springwater’ sits pretty at a friend’s farm in Jugiong, it has been photographed and the image will be displayed at Campbelltown Arts Centre from October 25 to December 14. 

More than 100 finalists from all sections are vying for the major prize; the winning artist will take home $20,000 and have their work displayed as part of the gallery’s permanent collection. 

For now Roy is looking forward to the opening on Friday October 31.

“All those who have supported me and would like to come along for the trip to Sydney for the opening are more than welcome,” he said.

“It’ll be pretty amazing; I’ll be there among some quality artists.” 

Roy believes the secret to success is following your passion and that is exactly what he’s doing.

“I really really love my art and in particular, sculpturing.”

Roy is a cabinet maker by trade, occasionally using these skills to make ends meet, but his true passion lies in sculpturing.

At his Jugiong home studio Mr Fong is set to produce whatever his heart desires. He owns two sheds; one for cabinet-making and the other for art and sculpturing.

Three years ago Roy was living in Sydney and looking for somewhere to retire when he happened upon Jugiong.

“I always liked the region; I quite enjoy the rural lifestyle and I have several friends who live here.

“I retired in Jugiong and now I’m living my passion, living my dream.”

As for Springwater, Roy borrowed the concept from a friend who had designed a similar sculpture for the garden.

“I liked how clever it was, it wasn’t titled, it was just sitting there in the garden, and I said, ‘this deserves to be shown.’

“After that I received quite a lot of encouragement from my arts mentor Carol Fitzgerald.

Roy has said that Carol’s a good friend to have; as an artist herself Carol has a wealth of industry experience. A couple of weeks ago Roy returned the favour and used his cabinet making skills to produce canvas stretchers for Carol’s work.

Never idle Roy is working on his next major work.

“I would like to enter the Blacktown Art Prize with a sculpture titled ‘What Lies Beneath.’”