Cut Sculpture

Cut by Jonathan Leahey, located in the rest area on Davidson St, Deniliquin.

This sculpture is one of a series of artworks that pay tribute to the contribution of the timber industry to the region. Sawmills began operating near Deniliquin around 1860 when the value of red gum timber for construction purposes was realised. Its rot-resistant and insect-resistant qualities made it an ideal choice for various construction projects, including bridges, wharves, houses, and commercial buildings.

The proximity to numerous creek and river crossings in the area resulted in a consistent demand for sawn timber. For many years Gulpa Sawmill Pty Ltd was a major employer of Deniliquin workers, with the original Gulpa mill was on the edge of the forest about 15 kilometres south of Deniliquin.

The sculpture depicts an abstract section of a circular saw blade rising from a platform of red gum timber almost as if cutting the timber. The inspiration for the artwork came from the use of circular saws in the production of red gum into items such as railway sleeps.

The sculpture is fabricated from oxidized steel and timber native to the local area.