Harding Syred Bears by Jo Duckworth

Move your cursor over the picture for it's description.

Harding Syred Bear with portrait by Christie Art.

Whilst living in the Hunter Valley, NSW I was introduced to other local artists who were also starting out. We formed a group and collectively we called ourselves "Hug of the Hunter". A group of individual bear artists exhibiting and attending trade shows together. I found this group of women to be of great support.

We had the ability to encourage one another's work with understanding and enthusiasm. We travelled and shared accommodation together. Most importantly we had lots of laughs along the way, especially with 5 of us cramped behind a six foot trading table.

Teddy Bears Downstairs Morpeth, NSW gave us the opportunity to hold our first exhibition and sale as Hug of the Hunter along with Maureen Christie's paintings. Maureen had started using our bears as models for her work and we later exhibited at an art galley in Newcastle, NSW.

Jo's bear is the main character in children's book, Teddy's Secret 1998 A publishing company sought to photograph the Hug of the Hunter's individual work and we found our bears gracing calendars, diaries, stationery, cards & stickers. Much to my surprise, I recently spotted one of my bears as a fridge magnet!

I was commissioned to make a bear for the children's book, Teddy's Secret. This is so far my largest work being 48cms.

During these years my basic knowledge and construction was down pat, so I started to focus on face detail and colour that was pleasing to myself. One of my main goals has always been to remain unique. I do this by drawing upon personal life experience and pushing my own boundaries.
Open mouth experiments and playing with paint effects. Donated to charity auction to raise money for childrens hospital.

Working alone can be quite isolating so I focused on trade shows. A great way to meet new people and be involved in the bear community.

>>Next 2000/01