Congratulations Julian Smith on your winning proposal

We are thrilled to announce the Winner of the Gargarro Botanic Garden Art Prize is Julian Smith, with his work - The Banksia Sculpture.

Bespoke metal fabricator and previously a dairy farmer in Bamawm, Julian Smith was successful with his vision of a banksia flower, swirling in the breeze, 8 meters high above the garden.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Connection to the Region As someone born and bred in the region, I have a deep, lifelong connection to this landscape. Before dedicating myself fully decades working the land as a farmer — to a life that shaped my understanding of natural rhythms, resilience, and the beauty found simplicity and hard work. That lived experience is at the core of my artistic practice. My creative work is grounded in a genuine connection to place contribute to the Gargarro — not only through materials but through meaning. The opportunity of the Botanic Garden Art Prize is more than just a professional milestone; it’s a way of giving back to a region that has shaped who I am, both as a maker and as a person.

My proposed concept for the Gargarro Botanic Garden holds both aesthetic and ecological significance in the region. This piece will be constructed in a style consistent with a Windmill — a large Botanic Garden. I propose a sculptural work inspired by the resilient beauty of the native Banksia flower — a scale sculpture fabricated from reclaimed steel, designed to evoke both strength and delicacy through its industrial.

The sculpture will take the Banksia as its central motif, reimagined through layered, curved steel forms that will stand as a tribute to the interconnectedness of the natural environment and human creativity. The Windmill referenced the mechanical heritage of rural Australia, with cutwork and weathered finishes that evolve with time and environment. It will honour Gargarro native flora, with intricate close interaction and distant appreciation. Ideally positioned within view of the garden café where it can be enjoyed as part of the visitor’s journey through cultivated and wild beauty.

MOVEMENT OF THE BANKSIA ELEMENT

The Banksia form will rotate gently using a stainless steel shaft with industrial-grade sealed bearings housed within a concealed steel collar. These allow for slow, safe motion activated by wind. The design disperses wind loads and avoids uncontrolled spinning.

PANEL DECISION

We felt the sculpture, at 8 metres, was spectacular. The Banksia would be visible from a distance, would attract attention and soar above peoples heads. The resultant shadows on the ground would enhance the effect. The banksia is indigent to the area and complements the existing plantings in the garden. The dual movement is light yet effective and uses wind power not electricity. The artistic design of the actual flower and leaves is delicate yet strong and is easily recognisable as a banksia flower. The decision was unanimous.