WHEN it comes to sculpting, Aberdeen’s Stephen Irwin has the Midas touch.
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And, now, he’s got the plaudits to prove it.
Mr Irwin returned from the sixth annual Sculptures in the Garden exhibition, in Mudgee, with two impressive wins under his belt.
His work, I Always Wanted to do That, was awarded the Moolarben $5000 Acquisition Prize.
He also took home the $15,000 Mid-Western Regional Council and Sculptures in the Garden Acquisition Prize with Taking the Plunge.
Mr Irwin said he was overwhelmed by the honour.
“Winning two out of three categories is a first for the sculpture show,” he said.
“It was very humbling to receive the praise and awards.
“Both works mean a lot to me.
“I entered Taking the Plunge in the 2016 Bondi Sculptures at the Sea contest, which features artists from all over the world.
“I must say, I had my bottom lip dragging on the ground for a few months [following that event].
“I took the chance and spent 200 hours and quite a lot of money on the sculpture – everything I had.
“But, in hindsight, it’s been a perfect result as my two sculptures will now be displayed in the main park in Mudgee for hundreds of thousands of people to see yearly.
“The sculpture of the picture frame entitled I Always Wanted to do That is one of the best I’ve ever done.
“It was based on when you see the perfect sunset, or you are driving along the road and witness someone who has their easel out painting.
“It would make me go ‘I Always Wanted to do That’.
“The trouble is, I can’t draw.
“My art teacher in high school made me drop art as he said: ‘Irwin, you have no talent’.
“I’m very lucky I visualise the sculpture and then just build it.”
Mr Irwin admitted he only started making sculptures three years ago – by accident.
“I saw a fish [sculpture] in a gallery in Bowral and the owner wouldn’t sell it,” he said.
“So, I came home and made it the next day.
“Ironically, it was actually better than the gallery one.
“I then made two more and placed them in a shop at Willow Tree – and they sold within days.
“I soon learnt the lessons with becoming an artist.
“And, there were times when I forced my hand to make sculptures that ended on the scrap heap.
“In the past year, I’ve changed from old steel parts to new steel.
“I very much enjoy making sculptures with a story behind each piece.
“I like to make the public think about the sculpture – and what I’m trying to say.”
Mr Irwin said his craft had proven to be cathartic.
“When the mood hits, I feel the need to create,” he said.
“I make most sculptures from about 7pm to 3am.
“This is usually after working a full day welding in the shed, as I basically build all horse products for farms.
“When I make sculptures, my mood really determines the piece.
“I suffer from depression at times but I live with anxiety everyday.
“When I’m making my sculptures, everything else that is going on in life disappears.
“It’s a magical feeling to create something, especially when it turns out better than I had hoped for.”