Next time you drive past Bilpin Afire (used to be Apple Bar) in Bilpin look out for the weather vane and corrugated iron green apple on its roof.  Both the vane and ‘iron’ apple are the work of local artist Scott Leonard of Sylvan Close.  

Although his works are indisputably artistic Scott may be more comfortable with the titles of welder, metalworker or blacksmith; perhaps a combination of all of the above would best fit.

Scott fashions recycled materials, predominately metal, into both functional and ornamental objects designed to live in the garden.  He uses barbed wire, copper piping, metal plates and rods to form functional artworks such as bird baths, hoops to hold hellebores, tripods for staking delicate plants, weather vanes, ornamental gates and garden seats.  

One seat uses iron bark wood from the Pilliga forest mounted on a leaf spring claimed from a Land cruiser.  A stroll through the garden provides glimpses of a small army of delicate wire dragonflies resting in bird baths and appearing to be feeding on plant beds. 

My sense of whimsy was sent into overload upon being introduced to Fred; he is a giant dragonfly lying face down on a lawn, his legs are in the workshop and his wings lie beside him in wait for his metamorphosis. Although he looks quite capable of flight Fred weighs well over 100 kilos.

Many of Scott’s pieces reflect his love of the rustic, rural and organic.  He has spent time as a jackeroo; he has studied and teaches horticulture. 

His range of handcrafted pieces are all made to last a lifetime, many giving aged metal a second life.  No two pieces are the same.  He can even turn his hand to chainsaw carving, turning logs into furniture.

Scott’s works have been sold at Parkers of Turramurra, North Manly Nursery and Palmland at Belrose.  He welcomes viewings of his work at Sylvan Close on appointment on 4756 2011, (mob) 0421 986 199,  or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..