Rockhampton scrap metal artist Andrea Farrow has left people stunned by her artistic talent after displaying her latest work, Scrub Bull, at CQLX Saleyards in Gracemere.
Standing 1.8 metres tall in CQLX’s undercover café seating area, the Scrub Bull is accompanied by a cattle dog at its side.
The sculpture captures the powerful, dynamic stance of a dominant bull.
Throughout months of construction, Andrea utilised recycled and repurposed mechanical parts, including conrods, clutch and brake drums, lawnmower blades, and more.
The three-dimensional piece is available for purchase at $17,000, and Andrea hopes it will find a home with someone who appreciates her craftsmanship.
“I love what I do, and I hope someone who loves it will give it a good home,” Andrea said.
“I have been rewarded by witnessing the interaction of children and people of all ages with the pieces I have made.
“Seeing them run excitedly and be drawn in to touch the piece gives the character life, and that is what I am looking for.
“I am very grateful to have been so kindly and enthusiastically supported by the team at CQLX in displaying my piece.”
CQLX rural events coordinator Chelsea Pender said the team was excited when the artwork arrived.
“We are very appreciative of the opportunity Andrea has given us to showcase her artwork,” she said.
“The intricacy of the piece is incredible.
“It’s been great to see our team stop by on their travels to admire the sculpture. Overall, I think it is fantastic.”
Thanks to the February All Breeds Bull and Female Sale held on 10 and 11 February, Chelsea said it was the perfect time for people to view the sculpture.
“We’d love to represent more rural artists in the future,“ she said.
“We have some great spaces on-site that could be utilised for this.”
The piece was originally crafted for the 2024 Sculptures Outback competition at the Roma Saleyards, which ran from July to September.
During the construction process, Andrea found herself drawn to the many recognisable machinery parts she incorporated.
“Many of those from the land will recognise the majority of the recycled parts I have used to sculpt it,” she said.
“From this, I can connect on a deeper level with more people.”
Sourcing her materials from family, friends, and local businesses, Andrea said she wouldn’t be able to do what she does without their support.
“My family and partner are my biggest supporters. Without their kind and encouraging words, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
“My family and close friends have been amazing in donating and sourcing rusted scrap treasures for my work. I love them all.”
Andrea’s passion for agriculture and animals stems from growing up on her family’s farm on the outskirts of Rockhampton.
While she has always loved art, drawing, and painting, she quickly transitioned to creating three-dimensional artwork.
For the past 10 years, Andrea has used her passion to transform scrap metal and machinery parts into lifelike sculptures of farm animals.
Although she enjoys traditional art forms, she said she always wanted to create three-dimensional pieces.
“It feels like it was only recently that I stumbled into welding, but it has actually been a long time,” she said.
“I never planned to get into metal sculpture, but now that I’m here, I can’t get enough.”
