DRILL BIT THE NORTHERN TERRITORY CROCODILE
$2,530
I am fascinated by the thought of creating pieces of art using second-hand materials. This fascination has driven me to explore the beauty and hidden potential of discarded items. My latest work, “Drill Bit,” is a true reflection of this passion. It is a detailed sculpture of a Northern Territory crocodile head, carefully crafted from various building materials.
The focus of “Drill Bit” was to use only repurposed materials, bringing them together in a way that both honors their original use and transforms them into something entirely new. The top of the mouth is primarily constructed from nuts and bolts, each piece selected and positioned to mimic the texture and strength of a crocodile’s powerful jaw. For the bottom jaw, I intricately cut nails to shape and create a aesthetic pattern, balancing ruggedness with intricate design.
Inside the mouth, I used screws to form the contour and depth, giving the sculpture an added layer of complexity and realism, finishing off with rugged drill bits resembling the crocodile’s teeth. The top of the head showcases a variety of materials, including chain, sprockets, screw straps, washers, and chainsaw chain. Each component was carefully chosen and arranged to reflect the fierce and formidable nature of the crocodile, while also highlighting the ingenuity and creativity involved in repurposing these items.
“Drill Bit” is more than just a sculpture; it is transformational piece of metal art, showcasing the sustainability of metal, and the endless possibilities that arise when we look at the world through a lens of creativity and resourcefulness.
Repurposed metal building materials
70 x 33 x 30cm
Artist Statement: Kayne Mabey is a part-time metal sculpture artist who balances his passion for creating art with family commitments and a full-time job. Kayne made a pivotal decision at the age of 16 to leave school, feeling that traditional education did not suit his learning style. He embarked on a boilermaker apprenticeship, working 11-hour days to master the skills of fabrication and welding. While originally from New Zealand, In 2011, at the age of 22, Kayne went on a plane for the first time to visit his aunt and uncle in Darwin, Australia. What was meant to be a four-week visit turned into a life-changing experience when he met his future wife on the very first day. The couple married in 2013 and now have two beautiful children, Dustyn (6) and Darcey (3).
Since leaving school, Kayne has been on a quest to find purpose in everything he does, exploring various hobbies such as painting, playing musical instruments, woodworking, fishing, and even building an off-road buggy. However, none of these pursuits met his high expectations. His passion for metal sculpture was ignited during a visit to a tip shop, where he discovered a bucket of old, rusty roof washers. Inspired, he envisioned these washers as the centrepiece of his first sculpture: a 1.2-meter Northern Territory Barramundi. With just over 100 hours of sculpting experience, Kayne has completed three intricate sculptures: a Barramundi (his first vision), a Crocodile head, and a Kookaburra, each taking between 30 to 40 hours to bring to life.
Each sculpture Kayne creates fuels his passion further, driving him to hone in on the detail of each piece and improve his techniques. Through his art, Kayne continues to push his limits, always striving to create new and exciting pieces.
Contact Tactile Arts on 08 8981 6616 or admin@tactilearts.org.au to purchase.
