Bollard Child | Functional Safety Art
"More than just a sculpture, Bollard Child is a functional intervention in urban safety. Designed to stand 900mm high, the piece utilizes the silhouette of a child to encourage motorists to be more mindful of their speed and surroundings.
The 'see-through' internal section is a critical design feature; it ensures that the sculpture never obscures visibility or creates a blind spot for drivers. By blending a figurative form with a practical safety bollard, this piece transforms a necessary piece of street furniture into a tool for community awareness and caution.
This figurative sculpture was commissioned to capture a singular, joyful moment: a mother giving her daughter a 'whizzy.' The piece is a study of movement and energy, with the daughter’s dress flaring out and her ponytails flying in mid-air.
Though the forms are stylized and abstracted, the essence of the mother and child remains deeply recognizable. It serves as a permanent celebration of family connection, freezing a playful, interactive moment in time through the medium of steel.
A Moment Held | Private Commission
"A companion piece to The Whizzy, this sculpture captures a quieter, more intimate interaction between a mother and her daughter. The work depicts the mother lifting her child onto her lap, the two figures locked in a shared gaze.
Though the forms are stylized and stripped of unnecessary detail, the deep emotional connection between the two is immediately recognizable. Set within the family’s garden, the steel sculpture acts as a permanent 'moment caught in time,' celebrating the quiet strength and tenderness of the maternal bond.
Ups-a-daisy | Scotch College Commissioned by Scotch College, South Australia
"Taking its name from the familiar phrase of encouragement, Ups-a-daisy is a tribute to the unique spirit of the Scotch College student body. This figurative Corten steel sculpture captures a moment of student-to-student mentorship, where older peers lift and support the younger.
The work is a celebration of the school's internal culture, where every student plays a role in nurturing the next generation. It stands as a symbol of the strength found within the Scotch community—proving that when students support each other, they create an environment where everyone can soar. This stylized piece by Adelaide sculptor Gerry McMahon is designed to grow and weather alongside the students who pass through the college grounds
Buddy Seats | Woodcroft College Commissioned by Woodcroft College, South Australia
"The Buddy Seats at Woodcroft College are more than just functional benches; they are a celebration of literacy and peer-to-peer connection. This installation, crafted from weathered Corten steel, depicts the heartwarming moment of an older student reading to a younger child.
Perched on the seat is the iconic character Arthur, from the classic children's book Who Wants Arthur?.
A Special Acknowledgement: I want to extend my gratitude to the renowned South Australian author Amanda Graham and illustrator Donna Gynell. Having the opportunity to meet with Donna and receive her personal permission to translate her beloved character into a three-dimensional.
Feeding the Ducks | Resthaven Mitcham Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"Located within the gardens of Resthaven Mitcham, this figurative Corten steel sculpture celebrates the enduring bond between generations. The piece depicts a grandmother looking on with affection as her granddaughter wades into a stylized pond to feed a mother duck and her ducklings.
The use of weathered steel allows the figures to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the garden. By capturing this simple, quiet moment of connection between the old, the young, and the natural world, the sculpture creates a point of reflection and joy for the residents and their families. It is a tribute to the stories and memories that bridge the gap between generations in our Adelaide community."
The Pelican’s Lead | Resthaven Murray Bridge Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"On a stylized steel jetty, a grandmother and child stretch their arms wide, mimicking the expansive wingspan of a majestic pelican in the foreground. This work is a tribute to the Murray River and the iconic South Australian story Storm Boy by Colin Thiele. It captures a quiet moment of play and connection, where nature leads and we follow—honoring the local history and the enduring spirit of the Murraylands."
Deep Sea Diver Available for Purchase
This piece is a tribute to the pioneers of the abyss. It depicts a diver in a traditional 'Standard Diving Dress,' complete with the iconic heavy-duty helmet, viewing lenses, and life-support hoses.
The sculpture captures the weighted, industrial feel of early maritime exploration, where the equipment was as much a prison as it was a lifeline. Intricately detailed and hand-forged in steel, it is a study of human endurance and the mechanical relics of our underwater history.
The Great Water Explorer | Glenelg City of Holdfast Bay Public Art Collection
Standing at the intersection of The Broadway and the Glenelg foreshore, The Great Water Explorer (affectionately known as 'Snorkel Boy') captures the quintessential Australian beach childhood.
Crafted from weathered Corten steel, the figure is complete with flippers, a mask, and a snorkel, ready to dive into the Adelaide gulf. Originally created for an exhibition, this piece was privately purchased and generously donated to the local community. It remains a playful landmark for locals and visitors alike, celebrating the adventurous spirit of the South Australian coast.
The Thistle and the Plane | Seymour College Commissioned by Seymour College, Adelaide
"Rooted in the strength of the Seymour thistle, this figurative work is a collaboration between the artist and the students. The base of the sculpture grows into stylized leaf-seats, inscribed with words of affirmation chosen by the girls themselves to reflect their school’s values.
The sculpture captures a moment of soaring potential: an older student supports a younger girl—wearing a traditional Scottish Tam O’ Shanter—as she prepares to launch a paper plane. This simple act serves as a powerful metaphor for the 'rising up' of every Seymour girl, symbolizing the vision, courage, and limitless potential nurtured within the college. Crafted in weathered Corten steel, the piece stands as a permanent voice for the students and a tribute to the school's enduring spirit.
Mulga Bill’s Bicycle | Thalassa Park Commissioned by City of Onkaparinga, South Australia
Inspired by the legendary Banjo Paterson poem, this sculpture brings the character of Mulga Bill to life in the 'Storybook Park' of Thalassa Park.
Captured in a moment of frantic, precarious balance, Mulga Bill is depicted struggling to master his 'Penny Farthing' bicycle just as he is about to lose control. Crafted from a blend of steel and weathered Corten, the piece captures the humor and movement of the original verse. It stands as a tribute to Australian literary history, inviting visitors of all ages to remember the man from Eaglehawk and his disastrous ride through the South Australian landscape.
Here I am
These stylized child-form bollards are designed to stand as a silent but powerful reminder: children are present. Standing one meter tall, Here I am uses human geometry to catch a driver's eye more effectively than a standard post, significantly increasing safety and awareness in high-traffic pedestrian zones.
Built for the South Australian climate, these robust steel forms are powder-coated for durability and can be commissioned in any color. They provide a friendly yet firm safety solution for Adelaide schools, playgrounds, and community centers, turning a functional traffic tool into a piece of engaging public art.
Kitty Whyte | Brighton Foreshore Commissioned by City of Holdfast Bay, South Australia
Standing before the Brighton Jetty, this stainless steel and copper work is a tribute to Kitty Whyte, a true pioneer of swimming safety in South Australia.
While history often links her name to the tragic shark attack of 1926, this sculpture intentionally celebrates her life and her advocacy for the ocean. Captured in 1920s swimwear alongside her two daughters, the trio wades through stylized waves framed by 'Between the Flags' markers. It is a powerful acknowledgment of her legacy within the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and her enduring influence on water safety culture along the Adelaide coast
Balance
"Standing three meters tall, Balance is a large-scale figurative work exploring themes of cooperation and verticality. The piece is expertly constructed from solid steel blades, arranged to maintain the three-dimensional form of three children in a precarious balancing act.
Unlike traditional flat silhouettes, the multi-angled blade construction ensures that the perspective of the figures is never lost, offering a complete visual experience from every vantage point. Finished in a vibrant purple, this robust work is designed for permanent outdoor installation in a public or civic space.
Walking the fence while Grandpa held my hand Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"This sculpture was born from a single, powerful line in a John Mellencamp song: 'When I was five, I walked a fence while Grandpa held my hand.'
Rendered in Corten steel, the work captures that exact moment of childhood trust. The grandfather stands with his walking stick in hand, providing a steady anchor for his granddaughter as she balances along the wall. The piece highlights the charming contrast of the generations—the dignified support of the elder and the playful spirit of the child, who dangles her teddy bear upside down as they move together. It is a tribute to the quiet, guiding bond that connects our past to our future.
Balancing Act | A Bronze Triptych (1999)
"Created in 1999, Balancing Act is an early indoor triptych consisting of three distinct performers. Each character is cast in bronze with stainless steel accents, capturing a different feat of coordination: one balanced on a ladder with an umbrella, another on a unicycle, and a third on stilts.
These smaller works represent a quirky, detailed style from earlier in my practice. The set was designed to be displayed together to show the shared tension and movement of a performance. This work remains in my collection and is currently available.
Generations | Resthaven Head Office Commissioned by Resthaven, Greenhill Road
Located at the Resthaven head office, adjacent to the historic Annesley College site, this multi-figure work explores the deep connections within the community. Crafted in my signature stylized Corten steel, the sculpture depicts several scenes of intergenerational support: a grandmother teaching her granddaughter hopscotch, and a grandfather sharing a quiet moment with his grandson.
Central to the piece is the figure of a carer, their hand resting supportively on the man’s shoulder while holding a bouquet of flowers. This inclusion serves as a tribute to the vital role of the caregiver—the bridge that supports both the elderly and their families. It is a celebration of life, learning, and the enduring bonds that span the ages in South Australia.
Clown Seat Commissioned by the Prospect Traders Group & City of Prospect
"Originally commissioned for the Vine Street precinct in Prospect, the Clown Seat is a work of functional public art. Crafted from Corten steel with vibrant painted sections, the sculpture is designed so the clown’s legs form the seating area while its arms serve as a comfortable backrest.
The piece includes an integrated mechanism allowing it to be securely supported against a garden bed or structural wall. Combining whimsical character design with practical utility, this seat was a central feature of the Prospect streetscape and is currently awaiting a new permanent installation.
Twisted Figure (1998)
"An early work from 1998, Twisted Figure represents a period of delving into the expressive possibilities of the human form. This sculpture, finished in a deep black patina, depicts a figure caught in a powerful, spiraling movement—twisting around its own axis as if in a state of internal wrapping.
The piece explores the tension between the solidity of bronze and the fluid, aspiring shape of the body in motion. It is a study of both physical and emotional torsion, capturing a sense of energy that is both contained and upwardly mobile. As one of my earlier bronze works, it reflects the foundational interest in movement and anatomy that has informed my practice for over two decades.
Caged Figures
"Created in 1999, Caged Figures is an installation exploring the architecture of internal emotional barriers. These four life-size figures—two male and two female—were formed from galvanized steel rods, with the forms modeled directly from life to capture authentic human proportions and presence.
The open, 'translucent' construction allows light to pass through the forms, casting intricate shadows that create a secondary, ephemeral layer to the work. This transparency creates a haunting paradox: while the figures appear light and airy, the bars of their construction serve as a metaphor for being trapped within one's own internal landscape. Whether seated, standing, or partially emerging from the wall, each figure represents the struggle to navigate personal boundaries
Moment in the Surf
"This life-size Corten steel work captures a single, fleeting moment: a young boy mid-surf, poised on his boogie board. Rather than a separate figure and setting, the boy is simply immersed in a section of the wave, depicting a person in perfect harmony with the ocean.
The sculpture freezes the kinetic energy of the water in weathered steel, allowing the viewer to see the boy as an extension of the wave itself. It is a study of that specific point in time where the rider and the element become one, creating a permanent tribute to the spirit of the Australian coast.
The Swing | Resthaven Bellevue Heights Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"Standing five meters high, this installation captures a quintessential moment of joy and connection: a grandmother or carer pushing a young girl on a swing. The figures are rendered in my signature stylized Corten steel, suspended from the branches of a large, custom-built tree.
The tree is a technical blend of galvanized iron and steel, featuring hand-painted green leaves that bring the structure to life. Perched within the limbs are two kookaburras, while a lone koala sits high in the upper canopy watching over the scene. This work is a celebration of the simple, rhythmic interactions that define the bond between generations, providing a peaceful and nostalgic landmark for the Bellevue Heights community.
Women of the South | Concept Study
This figurative concept explores the power and heritage of women through a unique, structural form. The female figures are stylized into an elegant, triangular 'teepee' shape that forms a sweeping dress, with hands placed firmly on hips in a posture of strength and confidence.
The expansive surface of the dress serves as a canvas for intricate laser-cut designs that tell the stories of the Women of the South. Designed to be lit both internally and externally, the sculpture radiates light through these cut-outs at night, casting the stories out into the surrounding space. This is a style I am eager to develop further—a project close to my heart as a father of three daughters, dedicated to celebrating and empowering the voices of women in our community.
Husband
"A more comical exploration from early in my career, Husband is an abstracted study of frustration and strength. Carved from Hebel aerated concrete, the piece depicts a grimacing figure in the middle of a desperate escape, physically bending the steel bars of his cage.
The rough, porous texture of the Hebel provides a stark contrast to the rigid steel bars, heightening the expressive, almost cartoonish energy of the man’s expression. It is a playful take on the theme of confinement, using a mix of industrial materials to capture a moment of high-tension comedy.
The Journey | Resthaven Aberfoyle Park Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"Set against the leafy backdrop of Aberfoyle Park, this work is crafted in my signature stylized fashion using Corten steel. It depicts a grandmother and grandson prepared for a bushwalk, complete with SunSmart hats, backpacks, and drink bottles.
The sculpture uses symbolic objects to tell a story of generational connection: the lady carries a camera as a metaphor for capturing memories, while the boy holds a compass, representing his search for a new direction. With their walking sticks providing a balanced rhythm to their stride, the figures serve as a tribute to the shared journey of discovery between the young and the old.
The Big Catch | Resthaven Port Elliot Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"Located in the coastal setting of Port Elliot, this mixed-media sculpture celebrates a shared moment of triumph. Crafted in my signature stylized fashion, the work utilizes a striking combination of metals: the figures are formed from weathered Corten steel, while the fishing rod and net are crafted from durable stainless steel.
At the heart of the piece is the 'catch' itself—a detailed fish fashioned from copper, caught mid-action in the stainless steel net. This play of materials—the rusted earthiness of the Corten, the shine of the stainless steel, and the warmth of the copper—creates a vibrant, multi-layered scene. Set against a garden-integrated boat, the work serves as a tribute to the passing of traditions and the enduring bond between generations.
The Path of Knowledge | Westminster School 50th Anniversary Commissioned by Westminster School, South Australia
Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Westminster School, this life-size sculpture captures the essence of the school journey through the eyes of a brother and sister. Walking hand-in-hand, the figures lean toward one another in a moment of quiet support and connection as they head toward their future.
The Batsman and the Mentor | Resthaven Mount Gambier Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
"Located in the heart of Mount Gambier, this life-size Corten steel sculpture explores the deep bond of mutual respect between generations. The work depicts a grandfather and grandson holding hands, their eyes locked in a moment of genuine connection.
The objects they carry tell the story of time: the boy holds a cricket bat, a symbol of youth, energy, and the games of summer, while the grandfather leans on his walking stick, a testament to a life well-traveled. Through this interaction, the piece explores the themes of reminiscence and admiration—the older man looking back on his own youth, while the young boy looks forward, guided by the support of the generation before him. Crafted in my signature stylized fashion, it stands as a permanent tribute to family and heritage in the South East
The Simple Joys | Resthaven Mount Gambier Commissioned by Resthaven, South Australia
Located within the interior of the Mount Gambier facility, this stylized Corten steel work celebrates the small, beautiful moments that define a life. The sculpture depicts a young girl pausing mid-walk with her loyal dog, lifting a bunch of flowers to her nose to take in their scent.
The piece explores the dual connection between humanity and nature: the 'joyfulness' found in the companionship of man’s best friend, and the mindful appreciation of the flowers of life. Even in its industrial material, the sculpture captures a sense of lightness and innocence, serving as a daily reminder to residents and visitors to find beauty in the present moment.
The Shared Path | Barossa Heritage Trail Commissioned by The Barossa Council
"Created as a cornerstone of the shared pathway project between Nuriootpa and Angaston, this series of Corten steel sculptures serves as a bridge between eras. At the Angaston trailhead, a figure sits reading a newspaper—the surface of which is laser-etched with the front page reporting on the final passenger train from Angaston to Adelaide. It is a permanent tribute to the rail history that once defined this corridor.
Further along the path, the sculpture features two cyclists: one in modern attire with a contemporary helmet, and another—a woman—in old-fashioned dress, complete with a bonnet and button-up boots. This juxtaposition of the 'past and the present' celebrates the evolution of the Barossa region, honoring those who walked (and rode) before us while looking forward to the future of the community.
Retail Therapy
"A playful exploration of contemporary culture, Retail Therapy depicts the quintessential 'shopper' in a moment of overwhelmed indulgence. Crafted in my signature stylized Corten steel, the figure is nearly eclipsed by a towering stack of boxes piled high above her sightline.
Balancing on high heels with a classic shoulder purse at her waist, she is accompanied by a loyal little Chihuahua at her side. This piece was previously a long-term feature on Prospect Road and is a study in balance—both physical and metaphorical. It captures the humor and the weight of modern consumerism, rendered in the warm, textured finish of weathered steel.
The Little Marion series is a narrative sculpture trail consisting of five Corten steel figures, deeply rooted in the local history of the Sturt River area. Much of the inspiration for these works was drawn from the book 'Yesterday’s Child' by Margaret Pill, which chronicles her life growing up in the Marion district.
These sculptures act as nodes of memory, translating Margaret’s written stories into physical forms. Whether it’s the girl checking the well for intact spider webs, or the child sitting on pugmill bricks with her gumboots ready for the muddy walk home, each piece invites the public to step back into the world described in Margaret's memoir.
By placing these stylized figures at key historic locations—from the Historic Village gates to the old almond orchards—the series ensures that the stories of 'Yesterday’s Child' remain a living part of the Marion landscape