‘Bobbing Along’ transforms a traffic signal box into a giant fish tank – a contained undersea world that appears to have been dropped, slightly improbably, into its urban surroundings. The title is a small nod to the earworm song from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, reflecting the light-hearted, gently whimsical tone of the work.
The site sits within a very hard, functional environment, essentially part of a petrol station, so I wanted to create something playful and contrasting – a moment of colour, curiosity and pause. Rather than disguising the box, the design embraces its form, using the panels and joins as the structural frame of the “tank” itself, complete with riveted edges and viewing windows.
The inspiration also comes from an undersea mural I painted at my home, where I’ve seen first-hand how people of all ages stop, smile, and search for details. That sense of shared discovery is something I wanted to bring into the public realm.
As someone who has made Brisbane my home, I’m continually struck by the richness of Australia’s natural environment, particularly its marine life. This artwork uses a playful, illustrative approach to echo that beauty in a site-specific way, inviting viewers to imagine a living ecosystem hidden in plain sight.
Ultimately, Bobbing Along is intended as a small moment of joy – something that rewards a quick glance but also invites repeat visits, where children and adults alike can spot new details as they pass by.
