Tahlia – October 2022
We met sculptor, Alan Meyburgh while visiting artists of the Margaret River Region during an open studios event. His imaginative animal sculptures have so much character we had to share them with you!
Many of Alan’s sculptures cleverly re-work discarded, rusted steel with interestingly shaped wood to become a creation with a whole new life… Including my favourite, UggFish!
My mother was a war baby and she ensured that nothing was wasted. So, the combination of a history of hardship and my love for the environment has instilled my mindset of sustainability. I find it quite an exciting challenge to search for and then apply certain components and turn them into artworks.
I believe that, although my components are destined for landfill, I place great emphasis on turning these into something meaningful and pleasing to the viewer.
I love the story behind all of my components. Sometimes they come from old bits of machinery, deceased estates or local businesses. Every component has a story. Sustainability and reusing anything is deeply ingrained in me.
Almost every piece of rusty steel or odd-shaped timber in my studio has been earmarked for a project. When I decide to make a sculpture I select the components and lay them out in front of me – this is when I will visualise a specific sculpture.
My main components are old pieces of timber, mainly natural bushwood and rusted steel – The more character the better! One of my most character filled pieces that I make is what I call UggFish. These can be truly ugly and I find myself giggling throughout the process. I’m sure only a mother could love them, or maybe an art lover!
The recycled metal components used for UggFish are:
I love producing sculptures from meaningful and interesting components with a bit of history that look the part. I enjoy making fish and birds especially.
I love to find a connection with someone who is commissioning an artwork, and then I select components and a subject that link to that person. My commissions are usually personal and I value connection. The more meaning the better – especially when it comes to recycled components. I always visualise a social connection with my clients at the end of a commission and this often happens when we will sit together and have a glass of wine and talk about the commission.
I am always thinking of new ways of doing and I have developed a way to transport sculptures more conveniently. Many of my works can be deconstructed. For example, if I’ve made a bird, and I will ensure that the wings can be removed, the bird can be removed from the mounting and the base. This can then be rolled up in bubble wrap, packaged and sent to its destination.
I first learnt my art on our family farm where I loved to do clay modelling from age 3. I remember how free I felt and I learned to love nature right from the start. I also did leather work and made wooden objects.
Art was my favourite subject at school however, I first became serious when a family member asked me to make birds and other animals so that they could be cast into limited-edition bronze sculptures, at a foundry.
The foundry man took me under his wing, and this was a very steep learning curve for me. I still own the very first bronze cast we produced and it is a portrait of my own dog. I am largely self taught and I love to collaborate with other artists and share knowledge. I soon progressed into making sculptures from recycled materials.
How do you prefer people to get in contact with you for commissioned sculptures or inquiries?
The best way to contact me would be via email, phone (and text) or to follow me on social media and then message me via Instagram or Facebook.
Instagram: @alanmeyburgh
Facebook: @alanmeyburghvisualartist
Email: alanmeyburgh@gmail.com
Mobile: 0439 497 778
