Wandering (2021)
MATERIALS Corten steel
LOCATION Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR), Lachlan Valley Way, 6.5km from Condobolin
In contrast to the other sculptures lining the SDL trail, ‘Wandering’ lacks a predefined narrative. Although this abstract artwork draws inspiration from the scenic surroundings in which it is placed, it encourages the observer to craft their own storyline.
“You can see this sculpture like a piece of music – it’s suggestive. It’s about the viewer walking through it, walking around it, and experiencing what it does for them. For some people it may mean a lot, for others it may mean nothing at all.”
“For me personally, I see it as being about the geology of the area – the curving lines are of the life that surrounds the river. I’d like to think that it connects well with where it is, and hopefully viewers can see it in harmony or co-existence with the landscape.”
The sculpture is composed of four components, with each one requiring a construction period of six to eight weeks. Collectively, the artwork has a weight of 18 tonnes and is crafted from 100 sheets of corten steel.
“Working in the broad landscape, you have to work on a scale that it demands” – David Ball.
About the Sculptor
David Ball (Robertson, NSW)
David Ball was born into the Australian bush in 1958. It has provided him with everything he values as a sculptor. He was raised in the bush fringes of Sydney and lives in a bush-lined pocket of the Southern Highlands of NSW.
For more than three decades, David has been constructing vast steel sculptures by hand. David considers every angle of his sculptures – offering differing experiences from all angles, structure and poetry in one. His surfaces are seconded to create reflections, shadows and architectural frames for the landscape in which they sit, visitors to and commentators on the age-old theme of the link between us and our universe.
Many of David’s sculptures have rusted finishes, the orange hues of their exteriors contrasting with the greens and blue of nature. Another theme to his oeuvre is the architectural landscape with its angular forms, towering nature and metallic patina, as contrasted with the natural world.
David constantly considers his work in relation to the environment.
“My heart lies squarely in the landscape and this is my playground.”
This connection is reflected in the scenic locations of shows he chooses to exhibit in and has led to most of his commissioned pieces being perched on rolling hills, nestled into gardens and enveloped by natural beauty.
Wandering is David’s largest commission to date.