With an illustrious career spanning three decades, André Stead is no stranger to art. An accomplished sculptor known for his diverse mastery over various mediums, Stead's influence is not confined to his art pieces but extends to his significant contributions to sculpture education and training.
In his journey, Stead established two bronze casting foundries, highlighting his profound understanding of the intricate process of bronze casting. His expertise ranges from mould making to sculpture reproduction, borne out of years dedicated to learning and perfecting the craft. Aside from bronze, Stead is proficient in handling other mediums such as clay, plaster, resin composites, carbon fibre, metal forging, plexiglass, and stainless steel.
Stead's footprint is visible in the field of art and the realm of engineering. Over the years, he has partnered closely with several engineering firms, gaining extensive knowledge of modern fabrication techniques. Such collaborations have given rise to numerous site-specific installation artworks adorning private and commercial spaces on four continents.
Stead, renowned for his meticulous eye for quality, actively ensures that his artworks comply with all engineering and health regulations. He uses only certified materials for their superior quality and durability in creating his artwork. The result? Installations that are not only aesthetically appealing but are also enduring testaments to his mastery of materials and techniques.
Stead's intuitive understanding of clients' needs has led to successful collaborations with architects, interior designers, and property development firms. This ability, coupled with his substantial knowledge of processes and materials, has made him a sought-after consultant. His experience ranges from training mould makers, fettlers (metal workers), and patination artists to assisting amateur and professional artists in honing their skills.
On top of his sculpting career, Stead's talents extend to digital visual design. He is an accomplished layout artist with a deep understanding of visual-based software such as Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Blender, Twinmotion, and Unreal Engine. His digital skills also span photography and video editing, enabling him to photograph his work and design his exhibition catalogues.
Stead's commitment to professionally presenting his work extends to creating client visualisations and assisting acclaimed artists like Brian Booth Craig with monumental project proposals. His projects are of the highest standard, reflecting his continuous drive for perfection.
Based in Tanzania, Stead's current endeavour involves developing a new bronze casting foundry named Tanzania Bronze and spearheading a skills development program. Stead continues to impact the art world and society to create jobs and develop local communities.
In addition to his ongoing commitments, Stead is actively collaborating with the Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg on a retrospective exhibition, which they expect to announce in the coming years. Stead's unceasing desire to push creative boundaries and spread knowledge is evident in his continuous development of new artworks, challenging convention and raising the bar in sculpture.
Through the André Stead Sculpture Institute, this remarkable artist fosters an environment for sculpting excellence and invaluable contributions to the broader art community. His work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft, a beacon inspiring future generations of artists.