Hard shell

by Damien Keirl

The sea turtle was inspired by my work and travel in north east Arnhem land NT with the local Yolngu people, turtles are a common sight in the Northern Territory. I wanted to capture there size and beauty using 100% recycled steel items of all sorts for the shell, all welded and sourced by Damien. The head and fins design I had Ben Woodford from Manipan NT who personally sourced and manufactured them from locally grown Eucalyptus Tetradonta (Stringybark, endemic to Northern Australia) this timber was then cut, shaped and carved locally with hand and power tools to produce the finished result.

Judge's Comments MIFGS 2026

This work is compelling in both its material language and its sense of place. Drawing on the artist’s experience in Arnhem Land, Hard Shell celebrates the beauty and presence of the sea turtle through the inventive use of recycled steel and locally sourced timber. The combination of craftsmanship, resourcefulness and cultural resonance creates a distinctive and memorable sculpture with strong narrative depth.

Hard shell is categorised under:

Sculpture details

Media	Recycled steel and timber
Dimensions	20h x 60w x 80d cm
Weight	20 kg
Year Created	2025
Edition	Unique
Techincal Support	Ben Woodford from Manipan NT helped with the timber fins and head of the turtle
Last Updated	04/06/2026 21:48:36

Exhibited in

2026 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Prizes won

Second Prize - Courtyard Sculpture at 2026 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

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Hard shell

Hard shell

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