Artist Matt Drysdale displays bunches of his copper roses.
A resident of the Mornington Peninsula his entire life, Matt Drysdale wears many hats: family man, runner, surfer who wants to be on his board more often, and self-taught artist with a knack for transforming discarded metals into ocean and nature-inspired treasures.
Matt’s whimsical echidna adds a touch of charm to the garden.
With roots in Rosebud, and having lived in Mornington and Mount Martha for the past 20 years, Matt’s journey as a sculptor began more than two decades ago.
Fuelled by his dad’s encouragement and a touch of curiosity, Matt was armed with little more than the welding skills he possessed from his job as a refrigeration mechanic, and a heap of scrap copper. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, he created a simple copper water feature that is still going strong today. Three months later he had artworks in a gallery and his first exhibition at Oak Hill Gallery soon after.
In the years since, he’s crafted a vast array of pieces that pay homage to his love of the sea and nature, infusing each creation with quirky charm and a whole lot of coastal vibes. A dedication to sustainability is evident in his choice of materials; he and his family members scour op shops and scrapyards for the perfect pieces to breathe new life into. Though he’s encountered his fair share of challenges – including unexpected explosions and mishaps with sealed pipes – Matt’s passion for his craft remains unshakeable.
He finds solace and pleasure in his art, whether he’s sculpting whimsical cephalopods, an echidna, a bunch of copper roses, or a majestic boat, and simply hopes to spread joy. His upcoming collaboration with Indigenous artist and family friend Holly Ryan promises exciting new work on the horizon.
For those itching to dive into the world of eco-friendly art, his advice is delivered with his trademark dry humour: “Have a go and don’t take yourself too seriously. Half the fun is in sourcing your materials. Wear your safety glasses, and don’t touch it if it’s hot!”
For a peek into Matt’s whimsical world, follow him on Facebook and Instagram @mattdrysdaleartist
A boat sculpture rides the waves of imagination.
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