I was inspired to build the Lyrebird after the 2019/2020 bushfires in East Gippsland, I went for a drive/walk through burnt areas a few days later and the sounds I heard were Lyrebirds

Judge's Comments MIFGS 2023

When one thinks of estate works, one thinks large.  One thinks monolithic. And grand.  I award first prize to the magnificent lyre bird. Like many others here, this sculpture says something about a moment in time- an historical glimpse of birdlife after a catastrophic event. It was created after the 2019/2020 bushfires in East Gippsland. The artist walking and driving through the area hearing the sounds of the lyrebirds. I can't help but wonder whether the lyrebird's song, known as a great imitator-  were they making  sounds like crackling fire. It’s a fabulous work, congratulations to the artist. It truly deserves to land in a regal estate to live out its days.

Pamela Irving, Judge Sculpture at MIFGS 2023