About Off the Trail

 
The St Helens Destination Action Plan Group is a dedicated group of community members who aim to promote and develop St Helens as a visitor destination.
One of the group’s major projects is the Off the Trail – Sculpture Walk which was funded by the Tasmanian Government and officially launched in June 2022.
The trail follows St Helens’ scenic Georges Bay with sculptures placed along the Georges Bay Multi-User track. This track can be accessed from several points around the Bay and provides access to scenic picnic areas, bbqs, toilets and jetties.
The group’s vision for the Off the Trail – Sculpture walk is that at least one sculpture is added to the trail each year with each new sculpture being ‘opened’ as part of the Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival – A festival that takes place over the June Long weekend every year.
Every year sculptors will be invited to submit their sculpture ideas to the group for assessment. This will be promoted via the Break O’Day Council website and Facebook page.

Discover the Sculptures

As you enjoy your stroll around the scenic Georges Bay Multi-User Track make sure you keep an eye out for these striking sculptures.

Rhythm and Flow

Artist:  Andrew Redman
Materials: Wood/concrete/galvanised steel
Dimensions: 3000H x 350Wmm x 150mmD

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Artist Statement:
With this work I have attempted to provide a piece that responds to the relationship that co-exists between the unique natural landscapes that surround us on the East Coast of Tasmania.
My intention is to create a contemporary sculpture that feels part of its environment and emphasizes the rhythm and flow of the natural elements it draws from. I have tried to symbolize the essence and harmony of the unique combination of the local coastal geology, its seascapes, and natural forms that make the area so distinct.
My use of deeply carved free flowing lines on large dimension timber, is an effort to fuse beauty and strength into one, that hopefully finds the right balance between the two.
I have chosen to use wood as the medium due to wanting to create an aged, bleached, aesthetic over time like the patina found on driftwood.
I have selected “Macrocarpa” as the timber species not only because of its outdoor durability, but because its plantation grown and sustainable.
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Sea Sculptures

Artist:  Gavin Wagner
Materials: Deformed Steel Bar
Dimensions: 3000mmH x 5500mmW x 16mmD

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Artist Statement:
This work responds to the game fishing and trawling activity based around Georges Bay. It represents the ocean fish caught in the deeper waters of the Tasman Sea. 
Georges Bay provides an important nursery space for young fish of many species. These were once prevalent in the Bay, although the numbers of many species have declined with the various attempts to use and to preserve this important waterway.
It is important to balance the interests of all who use the Bay – plant, animal and human life – and for the activities of each of these.  Various types of fish are used, or are able to be used, in the sculpture.  These promote awareness of the range of fish in the area and to provide opportunities for conversation and education among those who respond to the work.

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