Sculpture Garden, Davis Station

In 1977, plumber Hans carved a face into a wooden fence post, naming it “Man Sculpted by Antarctica”. In 2002, & now nicknamed “Fred the Head”, Australian artist-in-residence Stephen Eastaugh used it to become the first of many sculptures, including the one pictured. His hope was that the landscape could be made up of more than just poles, antennas & research facilities. It also gives the opportunity for artists whose dream it is to display their works on every continent of the world.

I chose this picture because I loved the sculpture and I loved the horizon line. Initially I thought they were icebergs, but the more I learnt about Antarctica and its surprisingly mountainous landscape, I’m not sure anymore. I had to remember the saying that “less is more” when it came to creating the shadows in the background landscape. I love the blue and am glad I chose indigo mixed with manganese to match the sky and ocean. As for the sculpture, it was important for me to show the highlight of the metallic additions. I still can’t tell what material the red is made it was definitely painted. Maybe a wooden plank? I couldn’t paint it, but the teeth are a shiny aluminium foil. I love its character and it was fun to recreate!

Image reference: Atlas Obscura (2nd ed.)

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