Australian Museum preparator/sculptor

Angus Adameitis. Pic by: Katrina Tepper

Giant wombats the size of a rhinoceros roaming around Australia might sound like science fiction, but it was reality until about 40,000 years ago. While scientists are still debating just what caused the Diprotodon to become extinct, Australian Museum preparator and sculptor Angus Adameitis is helping to bring one back to life.

Adameitis has spent more than two months preparing a Diprotodon skeleton so it can be displayed as part of the Australia Museum's upcoming exhibition Surviving Australia.

Working with a fibreglass cast, Adameitis has been creating a stand so the creature can stand on its own four feet. He has also been working closely with palaeontologists to make sure the giant wombat is striking the right pose.

"We are pretty focused on getting it looking the way it should, rather than a pose that is not scientifically correct," says Adameitis. His "other job" helps here: Adameitis completed a bachelor of fine art at the National Art School and says working as a preparator complements his work as a sculptor.

"You want to do your own work, but you need money to live so you have to find work that relates back to your [sculpting], so this job is perfect," he says.

Most of the people working on the new exhibition are artists because they are used to working with delicate specimens and different materials.

"All the guys have either studied art or have a background in exhibition," Adameitis says. "You're always surprised at what you have to build. You could go from making a detailed steel mount to hold an artefact to doing this articulation or moulding and casting."

When not working on giant skeletons, Adameitis puts together exhibitions of his sculptures, made from scrap metal.

How to be a preparator

Qualifications: Australian Museum preparatory Angus Adameitis says having a background in fine arts is the best way to gain employment in the industry. Artists make good preparators because they are used to working with a variety of materials and fine objects.

Course description: The National Art School offers a three-year bachelor of Fine Art. After a broad-based first year, students can major in different disciplines, including sculpture. Students are taught the origins and history of sculpture, as well as encouraged to develop their practice through specific technical skills. Students acquire a thorough knowledge of traditional and non-traditional materials, usages and associated methodologies. The sculpture department facilities include studios for first, second and third year students.

Assumed knowledge: NSW Higher School Certificate or equivalent. All applicants must attend an interview with a portfolio and complete a drawing test to demonstrate their level of proficiency and a range of interests in the arts for admission to the degree.

Cost: $2500 per annum

From the inside: Adameitis says preparators get to do all sorts of weird and wonderful things.

"If you are good with your hands, have a good sense of how materials work and an interest in exhibitions because that it what it is about, then you would definitely be interested in this job," he says. "You could be moulding and casting lizards and crabs and you have other people building dioramas, which is always fun."

More information: www.nas.edu.au


The Daily Telegraph, June 7, 2008