From clinical research to making sculptures

His friends thought that he might have lost his proverbial marbles. Retired clinical researcher Kevin Singer had left the city, unlocked the creativity he'd never had time for during most of his academic life and become an artist.

Now living in Injidup, south of Yallingup, Kevin helped build his house and the adjoining workshops and gallery. It was through signing on as an unofficial apprentice at his house that he was exposed to metalwork. He fell in love and now the 70-year-old artist makes wood and metal sculptures, including his famed eagles as well as active characters made from discarded steel rebar.

Kevin works mostly with repurposed steel, concrete and local timbers because he finds something satisfying in gifting new life into discarded items or offering an alternative use for something considered obsolete.

"I look for opportunities to network with industries where surplus materials accumulate and offer sculpture as a way of expressing appreciation for access to these resources," he says.

Kevin is famed for the eagles he creates.

His career and PhD in anatomy has continued to influence Kevin's life and his approach to retirement. Many of his sculptures borrow from anatomical proportions and the principle that form relates to function. He has also collaborated with colleagues across the clinical sciences and those in bioengineering are responsible for influencing his more complicated designs.

"During my academic career as a clinical researcher it was a 24/7 commitment and I had little time for creative things," says Kevin. "In my retirement I have become totally selfish turning my time to activities of interest. Moving to the South West has provided me the opportunity and space to indulge."

A student of the Japanese art aesthetic wabi-sabi or elegant simplicity, six years ago Kevin designed his concrete house inspired by Japanese architectural texts. The style informed the internal and external features, landscaping and now extends into his sculptures.

Being part of building his home has also taught the artist new skills, which he now uses to make art. The house has an office, but Kevin is rarely there, preferring to be in his woodworking studio or metal workshop. His life, which includes taking long coastal walks, is in total contrast to life before retirement.

Kevin said his career and PhD in anatomy has influenced his art.

He imagined authoring the odd paper as a way to keep engaged but art has taken over his world.

"I'm sure some of my colleagues were worried for a while, but I'm having a ball doing what I'm doing. I've never had the opportunity to do metalwork before.

"My first project was making a couple of steel workbenches and then I got a little more creative and made some garden art. Many years ago, when I was travelling, I saw eagles made of steel with eight-metre wingspans. They must have stuck with me, as I have made several eagles - realistic ones and more art deco ones.

"My mind dances from one idea to the next. I don't have a particular thing I stick to. Equally, I also enjoy creating complex mechanical contraptions designed to puzzle the mind into figuring out how they work.

"It's an interesting time - completely unfettered, allowing my imagination to come up with ideas. I have a very visual mind and can sketch out what I'm going to make and then it takes on a life of its own."

When you visit Inji Sculptures in September during Margaret River Region Open Studios, expect to be greeted by a five-metre wedge tail eagle with extended talons and sculptures around the garden.

You'll find items large and small - gold-leaf Bonsai trees and lanterns, kinetic garden sculptures, gold grapevines, fish and more eagle sculptures.

Kevin's Parliament of Owls will be available at Margaret River Open Studios for the Kids Cancer Support Group.

In his sixth year of participation, Kevin is one of more than 150 artists who will open the doors to their studios and homes to welcome art lovers as part of this much-adored annual regional event.

Each year, part of the collection Kevin produces at Inji Sculptures is donated to support cancer research. This year Kevin's Parliament of Owls will be available for the Kids Cancer Support Group.

"With a career in clinical research, I appreciate how difficult it is to attract funding. Fund raising for the Kids Cancer Support Group through sculpture during the event enables the community to learn about and support this wonderful initiative."

You can see Kevin's work on his Instagram: @inji.sculptures
Margaret River Region Open Studios runs from September 12-27. Details, maps and information at mrropenstudios.com.au