Bronze sculpture Turtle Guardian has been selected as Ringwood East Station’s integrated public artwork, greeting passengers at the main entrance.
The sculpture is the work of Warrandyte artist Katie Stackhouse, who takes inspiration from local waterways and her leafy green surrounds.
“I am thinking about the interconnections occurring between all forms of life and the elemental forces that shape the ecology in relation to human activities,” she said.
But it was the unexpected and memorable experience of rescuing a turtle from a busy road several years ago that provided the creative inspiration for Turtle Guardian.
“I began to think of the geometric structure of the turtle shell as a protective form, functioning as a poetic guardian for travellers, and a symbol for safe passage as people move, travel and connect in their daily lives,” Stackhouse said.
The bronze sculpture, based on the common Eastern long-necked turtle and measuring about 2.5m long and almost 2m wide, reflects the important balance of maintaining native animal and plant ecosystems within urban spaces.
Stackhouse said the size of the artwork invited people “to touch and engage closely” with the sculpture, which she hoped would act as welcoming focal point for visitors to the station precinct.
“I’m delighted to be making this work and look forward to seeing the community engage with it,” she said. “The sculpture is intended to provide a signature place-maker meeting point and be inviting to audiences to interact with."
The artist met with a turtle scientist during the design phase to learn more about their behaviours and habitats.
“Turtles play a vital role in keeping waterways clean. As an animal that travels between water and land, often long distances, the turtle form felt like a relevant symbol for travellers,” Stackhouse said.
The sculpture is currently being fabricated and will be transported to site later this year.
Ringwood East Station opened to passengers in July, following the removal of the dangerous and congested Dublin Road level crossing.
Landscaping and finishing works will continue across the station precinct throughout spring.
