Phil Baines
I have been sculpturing for 30yrs using metal found on farms and recycling depots on kangaroo Island.
Many of my sculptures have been bought by local businesses, resorts, caravan parks, hotels and private residence.
I like to something the client has found and create a piece with that .
I work closely with my clients, understanding their personal feelings, to create something that they will have a deep connection with. When this happens I feel a beautiful sense of connection with not only the piece but with them aswell. This is the goal I love to achieve.
Like most artists I struggle to make a regular income from my art.
I love to make big sculptures, they have such a great impact on people.
I am very excited to have the opportunity to exhibit in mclaren vale, where the blend of country and seaside will complement my work .
Being that myself and Mark Russell are from kangaroo Island I'm also excited to show what's happening on K.I to the mainland people.
Plans are moving along and I have signed a contract with 'The Art House ' and we have registered with SALA .
I've visited the art house, met with the manager and decided how to move my pieces into the space.
I will hire a trailer and two labourers to load and unload .
I may need help from a forklift and driver when I get to the gallery.
This will take two trips from kangaroo Island. I have costed in accommodation for my workers and myself.
There will be an official opening where i will deliver a presentation and one of my labourers will play ambient music on his guitar to create a beautiful experience for the viewers.
The exhibition runs for 30 days after which I will need to bring my sculptures back to the island or provide delivery for anyone fortunate enough to purchase my art .
Seeing my sculptures in their forever home and feeling the love for them by another person is the highlight for me .
“From Trash to Cash or something like that”
My Path
2017-2019
Part of group exhibition at Adelaide Wine Centre with other kangaroo Island artists
2020
Major installation in Penneshaw shores caravan Park.
2021
commissioned by kangaroo Island council to create 3 kangaroos for their town beautification project in Penneshaw.
2024
installed in main street of Penneshaw.
I have worked with recycled metal to create sculptures for 30yrs. I enjoy creating fish animals landscapes and marine life.
Creating something organic from hard steel brings me a deep satisfaction. There's a point where I see them come to life and develop a character.
My intention is to raise awareness of these creatures so that we will take better care of our wildlife and ocean.
I love being with whomever has commissioned me when they first experience being around them .
This is always an emotional time for us both .
Creating entire landscape around their new clamping tents using old jetty timbers and 10 of my metal sculptures. This was featured in Adelaidy magazine and on public television.
No grants to date
No formal training in this area. Mentoring from friends who Weld on theirs farms.
Basically self taught.
I have multiple sculptures around Penneshaw commissioned by The seafront group ' at hotel, resort and caravan park.
I didn't grow up around farms so when I saw the machines for the first time I noticed the shapes looked like parts of animals and fish.
I love to create something organic from hard steal .
I've been by the ocean all my life and watched the decline in marine life .
My intention is to remind people of the beauty that lives below the water so that we protect this environment.
Kangaroos are such beautiful, wild and unique creatures. I want us to have a greater respect for them .
I am extremely fortunate to live on kangaroo Island, a special place for indigenous people whom I have great respect for.
I like to work closely with my clients , when commissioned to make an art work, to create something that we can both have deep connection with . Standing with them when it is put in its final position is an emotional time for us both that I always remember and treasure deeply.