CROATIAN WINE FESTIVAL & Creative Awards

Ron Ratimir Gomboc, the renowned sculptor, has long been celebrated for his innovative fusion of abstract forms, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Western Australia and his roots. His sculptures, often crafted from bronze, steel, and stone, evoke a sense of fluid motion and timeless connection to nature, transforming raw materials into poetic expressions of human emotion and environmental harmony. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Gomboc has exhibited internationally, from the galleries of Perth to the prestigious venues of Europe and Asia, earning acclaim for works that bridge cultural narratives and contemporary aesthetics. This dedication to artistic evolution culminated in a profound milestone when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sculpture by the Australian Arts Foundation, an honour that recognizes not just technical mastery, but the enduring impact of his creative vision on the global stage. The award ceremony, held under the golden hues of a Perth sunset at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, was a fitting tribute to Gomboc's unyielding passion. Surrounded by fellow artists, admirers, and a selection of his iconic pieces—such as the sinuous "River of Life" series that seemed to pulse with quiet vitality—Gomboc accepted the accolade with characteristic humility, his calloused hands gripping the engraved plaque as if it were another sculpture in the making.

In his acceptance speech, delivered in a voice resonant with gratitude, he reflected on the solitary hours spent welding under the vast outback sky, crediting his Slovenian immigrant parents for instilling a resilience that mirrors the enduring quality of his bronzes. The event drew luminaries from the art world, who toasted to Gomboc's ability to infuse steel with soul, underscoring how his works have not only adorned public spaces but also sparked dialogues on identity, migration, and the earth's quiet narratives.Winning this WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce achievement award marks a new chapter for Gomboc, one where his legacy inspires emerging sculptors to push boundaries with boldness and heart. At 78, he shows no signs of slowing, already sketching concepts for site-specific installations that blend indigenous motifs with futuristic geometries, ensuring his influence ripples forward. This recognition affirms that true creative work, like Gomboc's sculptures, stands as a testament to perseverance—a forged monument to the beauty found in imperfection, forever etched in the annals of artistic history.