Sam Harrison is a Christchurch sculptor whose work depends on the scrutiny of the human figure. Such a practice needs to be cognisant and respectful of art history’s length enquiry into the human form and yet it ought to transcend the conceptual aridity of mere formal observation by adding an emotional and psychological candour. Harrison’s work is extremely rare in the manner in which it manages this challenge. Harrison’s capacity to ‘make’ is exceptional. When married with the sensitivity and acuity of his looking, he is capable of delivering works that are freed of sentimentality but remain charged with emotion and sincerity. Harrison has won major commissions, both public and private in Australia and is in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.