Sculptor John Dowie dies - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) The prolific South Australian artist John Dowie has died aged 93. Dowie will be best remembered for his public sculptures, which can be found in every Australian city. Among his creations are the statue of the Queen in the grounds of Parliament House in Canberra and the Three Rivers fountain in Adelaide's Victoria Square, his largest sculpture. John Dowie had a lengthy and celebrated career but said a new commission always brought a sense of trepidation. "I never start a new work without a great fluttering of butterflies and wondering if I can possibly do it," he said. Dowie spent time living in London and Florence but spent most of his life working in Adelaide. A rat of Tobruk in WWII, Dowie was also a teacher and patron of the arts. Long-time friend Lady Mary Downer says Dowie will also be remembered for his sense of humour and generosity. "Well I think he'll be remembered as a great sculptor, very generous and enormous sense of humour," she said. "Great fun, what does one say about him? He's a unique person." Long time friend and agent Susan Sideris says he was one of Australia's great talents. "He was much loved not just because of who he is, but because his works are very vital and lively and stunning and marvellous, and his sculpture is the old-fashioned sculpture where you can see where his put his thumbs in the clay," she said. John Dowie died last night in a nursing home, after suffering a stroke a fortnight ago.
