Scrapmetal and wire is the material I work with and Sheila because I connect this name with the typical Aussie woman. Steel is tough and hard to bend but it is also able to adapt and be shaped into something amazing, it is versatile, it ages gracefully in dry climates. Aussie Sheilas are very similar in properties to steel. I named my gallery the Iron Pearl after my Grandma who I had a strong connection with. I spent many holidays with Pearl and loved going along to the Op shop where she volunteered. Pearl could make anything with stuff like string, bottle tops and plastic bags. She was a wonderful listener, much of my passion and drive comes from Pearl because she led me to believe that I could do anything. I have always loved art and making things and I became the sculptor, with the name (Scrapmetalsheila) after having learned my art over 15 years while creating the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, which attracts many visitors to the Barcaldine Region each year. My grandmother inspired me the most but I am a product of the people and the region where I live. I have lived on traditional Iningai land for the past 26 years in the Barcaldine region, not far from where the ancient ancestors carved a university upon the red rock walls of Turraburra and Nat Buchanan rode upon the grasslands of Bowen Downs. This is what helps inspire my ideas, both the rusted carcasses of unused machines and the timelessness of the flora, fauna and characters of this land. There is nothing that satisfies me more than picking through relics of the past and using them to create the curve of an arched neck, flaring nostrils or the twitch of an ear. I would like to think that my work reflects the life of the characters who are fading into history and the beauty of our native flora and fauna, while at the same time reusing and recycling the relics of the past. I hope to bring a smile to the faces of those who view my art.
The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail started small, simply as a couple of sculptures that were created for the children who regularly travel on the route for school and has since grown into the largest free to the public sculpture loop in the world with 41 sculptures along the 205 kilometre loop of road. It attracts thousands of visitors to the Barcaldine region every year. People can see my journey from raw beginner to my present day sculptures. I hope that it continues to bring fun and laughter to the people who visit and the locals.
People love the chance to learn sculpting, and I frequently receive requests for workshops. I’m pleased to offer a range of workshops throughout the year at my studio. These sessions cater to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned artists looking to explore new techniques. Participants typically create one or two unique sculptures to take home and cherish. I promote these workshops on my website, as well as through Facebook and Instagram, so keep an eye out for updates!