CHRISTIAN JAMES SIEMER

18 May 1936 - 9 January 2026

IN MEMORIUM BY KATIE WITT

We farewell Life Member and former Chairperson Chris Siemer, an inspirational man whose journey carried him from farmer to sculptor, leaving a lasting artistic legacy in bronze and through generations of family.

Originally from Broken Hill, Chris was an adventurer from a young age. At just 20, he purchased a farm at Gibson sight unseen, without even knowing where Esperance was. Much of his early life was dedicated to farming development and small business, until 1989 when he followed a long-held calling and completed a Diploma of Art and Design at the Claremont School of Art.

Chris often described himself as a “frustrated artist.” Inspired by his grandfather, Christian Siemer, a prominent Californian artist, he initially majored in painting before discovering a passion for bronze sculpture, the medium that would define his career.

Graduating in 1992, Chris returned to Esperance to practise art full-time. His many public and private works are woven through the region, from The Lumper and Sammy the Seal at the Esperance Jetty, to the Esplanade and Andrew Street roundabout, with works extending to Scaddan, Grass Patch and as far north as Laverton. At 84 years old, Chris completed his final work -  a bust of the late Emil Nulsen MLA, unveiled at Nulsen Primary School in 2021.

Chris in his foundry, left, working on Emil Nulsen bust, 2020 (photo provided by Phil Shelton) and Chris at the Esperance Potters Club with daughter Antoinette Vincent December 2021 (photo provided by Antoinette Vincent).

Chris gave generously to the Cannery Arts Centre as Chairperson and Life Member. His children fondly recall the many artists he welcomed to the family table — a tradition that continues through his daughter, Antoinette. In his later years, Chris and Antoinette worked together in clay, creating and exhibiting side by side, igniting Antoinette’s own artistic journey.

We thank Chris for his dedication, creativity and enduring contribution to the arts and our community. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.