A unique new sculpture is proving to be an eye-catching welcome to Soldiers Point Marina that has visitors stopping in their tracks for a closer look.
The human-sized dog and rabbit holding tea cups and riding a flaming red scooter, created by world renowned artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, was installed at the entrance to the marina on May 22 and has had plenty of looks and discussions in the weeks since, said general manager Darrell Barnett.
"It's a unique sculpture. We thought this would be a really good addition to our collection. It seems to have been received well," he said.
"We started the collection in about 2002. We started collecting different pieces, and moving them around the marina. It's something to attract people down to our site. We're not just a marina. We're a boutique type operation. We want people to enjoy the atmosphere, the eateries.
"The art trail adds to the experience. Everyone is welcome to walk over the marina."
The bronze sculpture is one of six identical pieces and weighs about 680 kilograms.
It is the second Rabbit Woman and Dogman sculpture created by the Australian couple to be installed at the marina, but one of 10 pieces that forms its entire art trail. The first Gillie and Marc sculpture sees Rabbit Woman and Dogman sitting at a table, cups in hand. There are two seats for the public to sit on and join the human-size bronze sculptures at the table.
Gillie and Marc are best known for their Rabbit Woman and Dogman sculptures, which tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soulmates. Bronze is the pair's favourite medium as it is non-polluting and sustainable.
"Everything that Gillie and Marc represent is wonderfully aligned with the ethos of Soldier's Point Marina," Carmen Holden, the marina's guest services manager, said.
"We are very excited to be adding another of their unique and deeply moving creations to our sculpture walk and thrilled that they can be here to share some insights to their awesome work with our local community."
Gillie and Marc are due to join the staff at Soldiers Point Marina on Friday morning for an official unveiling.
Other sculptures located at the marina which creates its art trail include the Thinking Man by Laurence Edwards, two dolphins made from stainless steel chain titled Bubble and Squeak by Mike Van Dam and a whale water feature titled Sea Born.
A 240kg sculpture of chain links also by Van Dam sits out the front of the marina.
