Hard shell

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.