Russell was born in Lismore, NSW. He is self-taught, creating works in steel since 1982 when he took up the practice at the age of 45. During the 80s he produced a number of utilitarian objects in steel, but from 1990 has worked as a full time sculptor. Russell is now recognised for his dynamic abstract sculptures, which range from miniature pieces to large-scale steel works suited to an outdoor setting. In 2006 Russell was awarded the Artscape Sculpture Prize, and his work has appeared in Sculpture By the Sea. His work is included in a number of private and public collections throughout Australia. Russell has been exhibiting with Defiance since 2002, when he was represented in a solo show. Since then he work has been included in a number of group exhibitions such as the annual Miniature Sculpture Show.