Island Art Kangaroo Island
When you arrive at the island’s gateway, Penneshaw, it is impossible to miss the imposing examples of his life’s work and passion – detailed sculptured fish, dolphins and kangaroos –all created from salvaged metal.
For more than 30 years, Phil has been moulding cold, hard metal into soft and serene fauna, inspired by the nature for which idyllic Kangaroo Island is internationally renowned.
It’s a unique island story of farmgate to gallery, as Phil explains:
“When I see a piece of old metal, perhaps because I didn’t grow up around farm machinery, I’m fascinated by the shapes.”
“I see the different parts as potential arms, legs, eyes, fins. And then to take that piece of cold metal, which has been resurrected from the earth, and turn it into fish or dolphin, or a beautiful kangaroo joey, brings me great joy and satisfaction.”
And that joy has been shared across Australia and overseas, through gallery exhibitions and sales as far afield as Germany.
But some of the biggest fans of Phil’s work are the farmers who provide him with the tools of his artistic trade.
Every sculpture a piece of Island history.
“To witness people view my art is really so exciting for me as they recognise the individual parts used to create each piece of my art, particularly the famers who let me fossick through their paddocks. We develop a strong bond.”
It also means no two pieces are alike.
“To create opposites - from decaying metal machines into living things – something soft from something so hard – it’s very powerful – for me and for them.”
“Each piece is unique and there’s always a point where I see them come to life and I then develop a love for them, a connection which is hard to explain. I find an inner peace.”
My Mission
I've been close to the ocean all my life and watched the decline in marine life. My intention is to remind people of the beauty that lives above and below the water so that we protect this environment.
Kangaroos are such beautiful, wild and unique creatures. My intention is to raise awareness of these creatures so that we will take better care of our wildlife and ocean. I want us to have a greater respect for them. That’s why my work focuses a lot on kangaroo and fish sculptures.
Custom Work
I like to work closely with my clients, when commissioned to make an art work, to create something that we can both have a deep connection with. Standing with them when it is put in its final position is an emotional time for us both that I always remember and treasure deeply. When this happens I feel a beautiful sense of connection with not only the piece but with them as well.
Ive made many sculptural signs for holiday homes and private homes also sculpture for burial sites, using metal objects that have significance to the family, grandfathers old tractor parts perhaps or some garden tools, anything that helps to remember our loved ones. This is a deeply moving experience for me that I do with passion and respect.
My Art
I like to make big sculptures, they have such a great impact on people. I love how they can transform any space into a special scene. Many of my sculptures have been bought by local businesses, resorts, caravan parks, hotels and private residence. You can see them all over Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island). If you want to check them out have a look on my map.
Video
Click here to view the story of my process. Created by Nina and Soeren Schuermann