July 20th, 2023Artists of the central Highlands
Castlemaine’s Neil Tait has built up an admiring following for his artistry when it comes to decorative ironwork. This local creative – ably assisted by his team – designs and creates wrought iron pieces that are aesthetically pleasing works of art which frequently also serve the most functional of purposes. Neil’s well-established local business, Tait Decorative Iron, uses a variety of materials – including bronze, mild steel, copper and stainless steel, to create a unique range of sculptures and decorative pieces. Garden sculpture, wrought iron furniture, imposing gates, and beautiful balustrades that please the eye while providing a practical function are just a few of the sorts of pieces Neil creates at his local workshop. Neil took the time to chat to journalist Eve Lamb about his work.
Eve: G’day Neil. You’re renowned for your artistry with ironwork! Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on at the moment?
Neil: I’m currently working on designing an interesting gate with a Waratah flower as a central focal point.
Eve: When you are creating a piece of work what does the process entail?
Neil: The process of commissioning sculpture or custom work involves discussing details of the commission with the client, a site visit, budgeting, material choices providing detail visuals and working drawings.
Eve: Can you tell us a bit about some of your most satisfying or exciting projects to date?
Neil: I’ve had a great range of satisfying projects, working on sculptures for landscape projects, playground elements, and custom gates. There have been so many for private properties but also for public spaces. I’ve done some sculptural works for the Victoria to New South Wales Long Paddock Project. The sculptural pieces were designed by the artist Geoff Hocking and every sculpture had a story with it. Also some interesting pieces for the Catholic Church throughout Victoria, designed by Jenny Steiner, including interior light fittings for churches and decorative installations. Another one was a piece made out of stainless steel for the Botanical Gardens conservatory at Fitzroy, behind Parliament House. We did all the elements in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens children’s playground, and we’ve just built a giant frog for a public space in Caulfield!…
Eve: Have you ever, or do you currently, work in any other area besides your arts practice?
Neil: My other areas of interest are designing garden layouts incorporating the large range of product my company produces, from pizza ovens to garden sculptures, gates or furniture.
Eve: Where does all of this creativity take place?
Neil: My workshop at McKenzie Hill, Castlemaine.
Eve: What are some of the main challenges that you encounter in your creative practice Neil?
Neil: Some of the main challenges of any creative outcome are constantly having fresh ideas, working within time and cost restraints. To be viable is always a challenge but I’ve been making things and been self employed for over 35 years so I must be doing something right!
Eve: And the main rewards?
Neil: The rewards are many. I’m fortunate to have a very talented team of staff who can make almost anything I design. I also have a son with amazing skill in design and computer skills for the visual and computer work involved on large projects. One thing that always makes my day is seeing a project completed and the client has commented on how it was a good experience through the journey to outcome.
