FROM FLAMES TO FLOWERS

A series of unique sculptures have boosted the visual appeal of a Queensland university campus to give it a welcoming touch.

Choosing to add appeal to its campus through art, a Queensland university has enacted a programme to introduce a selection of artworks scattered throughout its grounds to enhance its beauty, generate a welcoming vibe and enhance campus interest for teachers, students and visitors alike.

Already known for its lush landscapes and heritage-listed buildings, campus administrators upped the ante with the installation of a series of sculptural elements across its 114 hectare waterfront site. Choosing from a selection of stock items, bespoke pieces and commissioned works, the campus grounds have become a wonderland of artistic discovery. From bike racks made of logs carved from a tree that fell on the grounds to steel garden art, quirky outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic and moss-covered rocks strategically placed in gardens, the selection of artistic landscape additions produce plenty of engaging sights to behold.

Going with an eclectic mix of sculptures, the university contacted Victoria-based metal sculpture studio Entanglements to select a few pieces from its stock items, as well as commissioning two bespoke works for the project.

Led by award-winning designer Helen Neyland, the team at Entanglements craft a range of unique metal art pieces for domestic and commercial applications, inside and out. Working in collaboration with its clients through the process of choosing, sizing and fitting a piece to its desired location, Entanglements carries an extensive range of stock items or can adapt designs to fit individual needs.

Fabricated inhouse by a team of specialist craftspeople, Entanglements’ creations range from metal wall art to privacy screens, decorative partitions, firepits, outdoor furniture, planter and wall gardens, as well as gates, fencing and, of course, sculpture. With such a large selection to choose from, selecting a series of campus sculptures would have been a walk in the park.

Stock items purchased from Entanglements for the campus project include: Flower Ball, a spherical sculpture of Corten steel with internal lighting that when lit highlights the delicate laser cut nature of the piece; Sway Grass, which graces the centre of a roundabout on campus, is a weathered steel representation of native grasses that reflect the natural landscape; and, Marbles, a cluster of rusted steel balls in graduating sizes that provide a curved juxtaposition to the rectilinear building they sit in front of.

In addition, the team from Entanglements created the bespoke Flame sculpture. Made of Corten steel and placed in a garden bed on the campus grounds, the large flame-shaped sculpture is a striking form that gives majesty to the waterside setting. The last piece commissioned by the company was a custom-made Paper Plane of a metal mesh — yes, you read correctly, a giant mesh folded plane! Secured to the roof of a facilities building beside the sports fields, the paper plane draws the eye with its unique placement and adds a touch of appealing whimsy to the site.

Servicing customers Australia-wide, Entanglements is well equipped to handle a large order of multiple items. Working closely with the client, the team was able to help the university choose or design the right pieces for the campus, fabricate to specifications, then professionally and securely ship the items interstate to be installed onsite, giving the university exactly what they needed to bring new life to the campus grounds.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Location St Lucia, Queensland
Design & Fabrication Entanglements
Shipping Entanglements
Photography Glenn Weiss

COMPANY
Entanglements