A LONG-time Sutherland Shire resident who has spent most of his life in the metal industry has not let his work skills go to waste.
Allen Minogue, 76, of Oyster Bay, used to be responsible for major architectural design projects both in Australia and overseas but now his focus is centred on his own backyard.
There have been sculptured giant birds, fish, native plants and abstract pieces.
"I like to make the sculptures as lifelike as possible," Mr Minogue said.
"Some take up to three years to complete."
He works mostly in stainless steel but occasionally uses timber.
Mr Minogue was originally a fitter and turner, then an architectural draughtsman and a project manager for an architectural engineer.
In that most recent role, when there was a request for a sculpture to be made he would get the job of liaising with that person.
"These days I just decide on something and the easiest way to make it and try and make it as similar to nature as I can so that it won't look too stupid, so it's acceptable and make it that it will possibly appeal to people."
The sculptures range in height from a metre to 4.5 metres.
Details:allen.minogue@gmail.com