Sometimes the things we find and the people we meet by chance end up being the most remarkable. A serendipitous circumstance led me to find the very remarkable Roger McKindley.
On a road less-traveled, beside the banks of the Loddon River, Roger has created a beautiful home and filled his garden with the most amazing sculptural art.
Roger gathers broken, discarded and abandoned objects that he arranges to form sculptures that reflect Nature’s state of flux and seasonal change. From chains, saws, blades and wheels, to bits and pieces salvaged from the goldfields, Roger explains that all his works are ‘in transition'; pieces are moved from time to time and eventually whole sculptural arrangements are dismantled and rearranged to take on a new life, a new energy.
Roger honours handcrafted pieces rather than discards them. Objects so well-made and so well-used have a soul that rewards and surprises him as constantly as Nature itself. People come to see Roger’s work from all around the world; most hear about his sculptural garden by word of mouth and are seekers of authentic, soul-enriching experiences.
In a world driven by mass-production and the over-consumption of poor quality objects, it is truly uplifting to meet such an insightful and talented man who produces such gentle, harmonious, soulful work from re-claimed things. Roger’s own ‘poverty’, choosing to live without the excesses of today’s ‘creature comforts’ creates a space wherein he can discover the true value of things. Roger’s story proves that home is where you make it and riches are a frame of mind. Enjoy! x
Tell us a little bit about your background – what path led you to where you are now?
I began with an apprenticeship in gardening – then, as a landscaper, began working, playing really, with stone. I have always worked and been inspired by the natural world. I’ve also been inspired by my travels and what I’ve seen is replicated in my garden. My first love was motorcycles – and building motorcycles.
Your home is truly an historic cottage. Wow! Tell us a little of how you came to find it?
When I came to the cottage it had been run down by the previous tenants – wildlife had moved in! Possums, rats and mice. The grounds were covered with stinging nettles, thistles and barbed wire and every centimetre of earth was covered in waste, rubbish, plastic. It reminded me of a bomb site in a war zone. We’d just been through 12 years of drought … so it was a dust bowl too. There wasn’t a blade of grass .… it was devoid of life.
Tell us about your amazing project ‘Antares Iron Art Garden’. How did your inspiring up-cycled metal garden art come about?
This the fourth Art Garden in Central Victoria. This is what I have been doing for the past 26 years – everywhere that I’ve lived. It is where I live and work.
What is the significance of the name?
‘Antares’ relates to the planet Mars – which in turn governs thistles and nettles, according to the ancient herbalist, Culpeper. They also relate to Mars because of their sharp, pointy angles. Astrologically, Aries is connected to the planet Mars, and is ruler of gardens and iron. I don’t have water – so I use iron to create.
What makes you so passionate about re-purposing found pieces of history?
I have always loved old and disused and discarded objects and take great pleasure in using the broken and unwanted. I see Nature’s own designs. I love the things that speak of endurance. Man has consciously or unconsciously used Nature’s shapes and designs. They are strong and they work. Man replicates them in machinery and tools. Secateurs are like a bird’s beak. I get great delight, it inspires me straight away when I find something. I have this need to re-purpose – the very day I find it. Bringing new life and meaning to it. I love the shape and designs … For me, these objects are works of art in themselves. I love the art involved in making them. I don’t care what a thing once was – I’m already thinking of what it can become. I love to view it from a completely different angle. I love for people to see things that I don’t see and name things for themselves.
You have a keen eye for seeing the potential in objects others might discard. Can you give us a little insight into your creative processes?
When I find things they speak to me. They dictate a new project – or they join in an existing project. I love multiples of things! I love that they come together as a family. I like to honour the things I find, straight away. I feel as if I want to celebrate in its design and put it out into the world …. Placement is important. The biggest part of my work is placement within the landscape. So that there is balance between each project … and element. The work is energised by the connections and placement. Nothing is fixed, which enables me to redesign, add to and subtract at will. Also, I am into the potential chance happenings in having materials available – that have had no relationship before to each other. Now come together as one, creating a sense of wholeness. Each day, I work until I can’t see anymore outside. Inspired by the shadows and the changing light from morning to evening. Finding that at sunset or dusk, everything is magically charged. I’m able to see more – have a new vision. Enter another realm of seeing. Approaching these objects in a different way. Seeing, viewing another world … another interpretation.
Where or who or what do you draw your inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration is the natural world … I’m fascinated by patterning .… rocks. I am inspired by each object I find … and how synchronised events come together. I don’t know who finds who. Will and imagination calls things, brings things to me.
You have a wonderful energy. Tell us about the philosophy that guides you?
For me, everything has a soul; a life force. I’m humbled by the objects I find (or do they find me?) … Of the life they have had … the worn and the broken. They speak of a life fully-lived and they are still giving. The most worn and broken down thing – I love to raise into our vision, to enjoy and appreciate. I discovered this when I first worked with stone – the foundations of life.
You have been in Newstead in your historic cottage for about 7 years. Did you intend to have an art garden or was the process more organic than that?
I always have a garden, wherever I live. This is what I do. It fills my soul and my heart. I began this garden ‘Antares’ from the very rocks in my driveway. Creating special patterns and it evolved from there. Sharing with other people? Wanting to share.
What does a typical day in the life of Roger McKindley, ‘The Creative’ look like; from when you wake to when you go to sleep?
To begin, I love to bring order to the house. I have a cup of tea and sweep the floors and tend to the tasks of the house before I begin my day. I then turn to unfinished projects or I might have a date at the local transfer station or tip. I often go to town shopping (I have only recently got a very small fridge) or for other daily tasks. The trips to the tip are very much part of my work. There is always something in the garden to do. I work til last light. I love the magical light at that time of day. I use it for inspiration…. I am very aware of the seasons in my cottage. In winter, I love to keep the home fire burning! I’m rather like a squirrel who gathers objects – wood, metal, bones and glass. Having no electricity gives me the chance to open my mind to other things to fill time. In winter, I keep the kitchen stove burning and the big open fire I turn into a forge – burning and shaping huge pieces of wood and metal. Firelight is an inspiration… the fire speaks to you in many ways. It provides conversation, cups of tea, slow cooked food … a slower pace of life. Everyday, I can have visitors – from the local area and from around the world. People are always dropping by – sometimes dropping off gifts of metal or all sorts of stray objects. In the cool of the evening, I go with my dog Finnegan, a large Irish Wolfhound, for long rides and walks at the river, chasing rabbits. That’s his time of day.
What aspect of country life are you loving MOST at the moment?
I like the pace of country life … the quiet time to enjoy the natural world – the stars, moonlit nights. Frosty mornings when all my metal objects come alive with steam. I also appreciate the sense of community.
What is the most CHALLENGING aspect of country life?
My desire is to share my garden with the whole world – it is constantly changing and evolving. The biggest challenge is to get people to come to an isolated place in a small town. Word-of-mouth is the ultimate messenger. I know people who have visited all four of my sculpture gardens over 24 years and it is a delight that people who have come as children now bring their children. It is a garden for young and old.
Do you prefer Coffee or Tea? Your favourite country café and why?
Tea! Black tea with sugar. I don’t drink coffee – I’m the Tea King. I don’t go to cafes – life is too full. And I’ve always got the kettle on the boil at home! The soul of the house is the slow combustion stove. Everything revolves around it – warmth, comfort, conversation, animals, cups of tea … it’s a coming together.
What and where was the last great meal you enjoyed/shared in the country?
Some old friends came to visit on Australia Day weekend. They were heading off to have a picnic but they loved the house so much that they stayed. Invited me to share their lunch … so they laid a tablecloth and set the food – salads with rissoles, good bread and salt and olive oil. And just as we were finishing, another visitor arrived to the garden and was invited in, discovered my old piano and serenaded us. We had wonderful conversation about life, spirituality and the life of the Welsh Swagman. It’s so important to follow your heart. Share talk, vision and thoughts.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
Usually out and about. Bit of a shop, bit of a scavenge, maybe … I get the local papers and the Weekend Australian – for the magazine section, mostly and the Stars – ‘Mystic Medusa’. By the afternoon, I need to be home because that’s when visitors come to the garden.
YOUR country town’s best kept secret?
The river. The big trees … it’s a beautiful walk. I’ve shared this walk with city people and the powerful owl has appeared, like a magical totem.
Would you ENCOURAGE others to live a country life? Why/why not?
Definitely. It’s a great place for bringing up children. The river makes it a magical realm. It’s where people have always gathered from the very beginning. Where life is … birds, fish, ancient trees and children and the laughter of children with freedom to play with the rocks and the water, to explore. The space, the slow pace. Riding your bike. The whole village cares for everyone.
What ADVICE would you give those dreaming of making a TREE CHANGE?
Moving to the country can be isolating if you don’t know anyone. It’s important to find some kind of group or activity … walking, tree planting, gardening, local events. It’s important to find your way into the community. For me, art and my garden was what connected me. The first people I met have stuck by me and supported me and my art by bringing all their visitors to the garden – from all over the world. It takes time. The cake doesn’t rise in one day! I was initially quite lonely, but my art connected me and inspires me. Through my art I have met people from all walks of life.
What can we expect NEXT from you in the future?
The future is a mystery and I love that. What do they say? “ You plan a life, and then life happens.”
What are you looking FORWARD to and why?
The next project … Which is the mystery!
Can you list 5 things you turn to/do when you need of a ‘dose’ of city life?
1. Love to go to the Art Gallery AND discover art happenings in the city like the Fringe Street Festival 2. I saw an an Installation in Fringe Festival a few years ago that was out of this world! 3. I love Bangarra Dance Theatre 4. Like to go to Montsalvat or Heide Museum 5. I love to be able to disappear in the city; be amongst it Plus 6. I love the surprises 7. Everything in the city is proportionately bigger 8. The best thing about the city is getting home … a safe haven that compliments the fast pace.
Roger McKindley
Antares Iron Art Garden
By the Loddon River ford, corner Brandt St and Punt Rd,
Newstead Vic (Off Daylesford- Newstead Rd, C285)
10am – 5pm Extended hours by appointment
Entry by donation
m. 0447-229-149
Interview transcribed on Roger’s behalf by Angela Down
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