Another image to see more detail. I am having some problems working out how to post more photo's of other works ,please excuse my lack of computer skills, give me a hug of metal any day and i can do ,give me a computer and I want to reshape it with a hammer when it fails to make sense or do what appears to be simple.

The theme for Forgotten Tracks was “Essence of the Outback”. I looked at the found metal objects I have been collecting with my son Hayden on our annual outback trip and decided on “Forgotten Tracks”. As the name suggests I have used a steel wheel rim from a wooden wagon, horseshoes and the steel heel protector from miners’ boots to represent the different types of tracks.

The outer steel rim is from an original wooden wagon wheel; this was all that was left after the timber had rotted away. It was found with the other three rims, axles and hubs in a paddock north of Toodyay.

The inner two rows of horseshoes were found between Kalgoorlie and Leonora. It is interesting to note that on the side where the horseshoes are welded together there are some marks made by the blacksmith who made them. This appears on five different horseshoes and the marks are located on the same area of each shoe. I believe this is to identify the blacksmith’s own work. It is possible the same blacksmith made them as they were found in the same area, a small mining town deserted in 1905 approximately. See if you can find all five marks!

The inner third row of metal shoes were used on boot heals to make them last longer. These came from the same area as the horseshoes.

I hope you enjoy looking at this piece as much as I enjoyed finding the objects and putting it together.

Forgotten Tracks was awarded first place for Best Overall Entry as well as the 3-D category in 2002 at the Leonora Art Show.

By Michael L. Sofoulis

Material mild steel and low carbon steel
Weight 20 Kg Approx
Size 900mm high x 800mm wide