Anne Neil

Anne Neil is an Australian artist who blends craftsmanship with a keen sense of storytelling through her whimsical public sculptures. Her background in jewellery continues to shape her sculptural work, marked by a fascination with metals and a balance between industrial fabrication and intricate, handcrafted details.

Her latest work, A Bank of Friends, brings a playful vibrancy to the Murdoch Square Medical Precinct, located south of Perth, Western Australia. These larger-than-life sculptures of Swans—Western Australia's emblem—are adorned with everyday accessories, each telling its own light-hearted story. One swan carries takeaway coffees, while another confidently balances on a skateboard, injecting moments of surprise and joy into the medical precinct. These human-scale, interactive sculptures aim to evoke smiles and laughter, fostering a welcoming environment for visitors and the local community.

The artwork aligns with the curatorial theme of "the heart of humanity," emphasizing art's power to create memories, connect people, and uplift spirits. Neil's use of humour reflects research into its therapeutic effects: humour naturally releases endorphins, reducing stress and enhancing well-being.

Neil independently secured the project and collaborated with UAP to translate her digital 3D models into striking tangible sculptures. Our Brisbane workshop buzzed with creativity as the team worked through every stage of production, from detailed foundry and fabrication drawings to material sampling, pattern making, lost wax casting, and finishing. Each swan stands approximately 1.7m tall, and precise craftsmanship ensured that every detail matched Neil's vision.