Design statement
After visiting the Sacramento Park site several times, I noticed a small population of native wood ducks (Chenonetta jubata) living there. These ducks nest in trees and like shallow water. They are often found in urban parks as well as other locations right across Australia.
Duck symbolism is closely connected to water symbolism, which is about mystery, magic, and inspiration. Ducks also represent family, nurturing and protection.
After considering several ideas, mostly related to native flora and fauna, I settled on the duck as a subject. I wanted to explore the personality of the duck in a fun way, making it approachable for people of all ages, particularly children.
Shape and form
With this twist of fun in mind, I thought about ways to embody the duck in a striking way. Conceptualising with traditional paper and card to create potential forms, I wanted to simplify the duck shape, turning it into an icon, like the rubber ducky.
With this twist of fun in mind, I thought about ways to embody the duck in a striking way. Conceptualising with traditional paper and card to create potential forms, I wanted to simplify the duck shape, turning it into an icon, like the rubber ducky.
I enjoy using geometric forms in some of my paintings, pairing them with organic linework texture. This lead me to create a duck shape using the origami method.
I folded a few failures and eventually landed on a fun and friendly duck origami design.
Colour
Wanting to add a dynamic edge to the sculpture, I decided to give the duck a bright colour scheme, incorporating some of the colours from the other play equipment nearby.
Wanting to add a dynamic edge to the sculpture, I decided to give the duck a bright colour scheme, incorporating some of the colours from the other play equipment nearby.
I decided to add some of my signature linework in some areas to bring some visual texture and dimension to the sculpture. This will also help disguise any graffiti or vandalism which has been sighted in several places in the park.
The modular-like panels can easily be repainted or repaired in the case of any serious vandalism. This flexibility also leaves open the possibility for a whole new paint design periodically if the City of Swan so wish.
Engineering, construction and install
I worked with design engineer Owen Wachla to create the scale drawings. Structural design including footing by Etschmann Engineering. Fabrication and install by Ferret Boilermaking. Blasting and base layers by Retroblast. Concrete footing by Grafform.
This was my first public sculptural art piece. A fun and exciting project. I hope to do more in future.
