Geelong’s own masters of metal Steel Art Australia sells sculptures not products, according to the company’s Bianca McConnell.
“We’re not into mass producing pieces,” she says.
“If you need something custom-designed, we’re the place to come to.”
The steel artists recently moved to their new North Geelong centre in Lillian Street, which has ample parking and rear access.
“We’ve got an outdoor area now where you can see it all on display,” Bianca says.
“Customers can see what it would look like in their backyard.”
The 35-year-old has been selling metallic art for about a decade with husband Daniel.
“I’ve been landscaping since I was 15 because my parents own a nursery,” she said.
“I did that until I married my husband who’s a boiler maker.”
But last year Bianca joined her husband in creating sculptures, too.
“I decided about last year to pick up the welder myself and get a feel of what it’s like,” she says.
“I started loving it and creating my own sculptures. You can be a welder but it’s a different story being a metal artist – you’ve either got it or you haven’t.”
The company’s second-year apprentice, Bradley Jones, also has “the flare”, she says.
Steel Art Australia has designed a variety of pieces like flowers, military remembrance murals and even a T-rex.
“People come to us with an idea and a picture and we bring it to life,” Bianca says.
“Seeing the person’s face when they pick up something they’ve ordered makes the job special.”
