Love of nature inspires sculptural work: photos

The Georgian house is surrounded by a lush and vibrant garden bordered with gravel paths snaking through the acreage. Every so often an array of rust-coloured floral and fauna forms poke through the foliage.

Pelicans, eagles, a ‘tree’ filled with cockatoos and a platypus crawling over a rockery fill the land with life and vibrancy. Crafted from corten steel, the sculptures are delicate yet awe-inspiring lifelike representations of wildlife. Varying in height and span, some are given an added boost in height by a stone plinth. Colourful flowers create a wave effect as they sway in a light breeze, almost fanning the stone and steel sculptures.

Then there are the birdbaths brimming with water that are surrounded by a mix of real and contemporary steel forged birds.

Each piece throughout the garden is a custom-made garden sculpture made by the couple in their materials of choice -  bronze, glass, stone and steel. Each is designed and made in their studio and workshop on the property.

But their work is not confined to Tasmania. It is dotted across the mainland as councils and businesses commission their work for public art and private land developments. Having arrived in Australia in 1980 the couple settled in the Apple Isle 15 years later, attracted to its landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. Folko had already established his reputation as a sculptor with several shows in New South Wales. Since 1997 their work has appeared at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, and they remain keen to develop and innovate new designs, inspired by life in Mangalore.

“Our sculpture garden, studio and home is at Oakwood, an historic Georgian property. It’s a beautiful place to live and work,” Folko says. “You take inspiration from the everyday.”

Built in the 1830s the two-storey stone house with 32 acres of established garden provides a dramatic backdrop for the sculptures on display.

In his studio, Folko works with corten - a mild architectural steel, glass, bronze, stainless steel and stone. It’s hot and hard work cutting and welding pieces of steel into curved and formed shapes. Each piece is unique and takes hours to create.

With a love of nature, they ensure each piece will complement and form pleasant contrasts with grass and greenery foliage and flowers.

“We make signature pieces for a land developer and they are massive sculptures. They are designed to grab attention and when they are done we have a line of large trucks making their way here to load the pieces and then they make their way across Bass Strait to start their land journey to their new home. It’s an awesome sight,” Folko says.

Each piece is then put into position, with Folko and Maureen taking a regular road trip to see some of their works in situ.

“We always like to see where they have landed. We know where they will sit as it is all planned and designed to scale; but to see them actually in final position is wonderful.”

With more than 60 oak trees branching out on their property, there’s plenty of space for more wildlife to land.