Community
14 November, 2022
Babinda artist shares equine passion
LOCAL resident and sculptor, John Harding, has been busy landscaping the garden at his new home and that has included the installation of a much loved sculpture, his glittering aluminium horse “Priscilla”.
Created five years ago in Melbourne, Harding’s horse was his first large scale animal sculpture. “Priscilla” took two years to build as he was restricted to only working on the project on the weekends.
He had always wanted to sculpt a life-size horse and although there has been interest from potential buyers, the artist said he is too attached to it, ever to sell.
When John moved to Babinda, Priscilla travelled over 2,600 kms across the east coast by trailer to her new home where she now stands proudly on the front lawn for the local community to enjoy.
His main hobby is constructing WW2 aircraft, so he is quite adept at using steel and aluminium and the tools to pop rivet the pieces together.
Harding has built several planes from scratch including the Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
He has also been commissioned to design trophies and wall art for clients such as the CBI Electrical and the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum in Cairns. Another special commission was a life size baby elephant for his sister.
The gorgeous aluminium creation has black obsidian crystal eyes. His latest creation is an anchor and chain with the chain links fashioned from exhaust tubing.
“I have a fascination with marine stuff, so I decided to build a seven foot anchor in steel plate. It weighs about 60kg but looks heavier,” John said.
“My dream is to build lots of stainless steel animal statues around Babinda and help bring tourism to this lovely town,” he said.
Anyone interested in knowing more about John’s work should contact him via email: artworksaustralia@gmail.com
