An iconic Big Thing – giant Murray Cod sculpture
At Natureworks, we pride ourselves on bringing the natural world to life through lovingly crafted sculptures. Our recent endeavour, in partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, is nothing short of monumental — a giant Murray Cod sculpture. This impressive Big Thing provides a dramatic entry statement for the Native Fish Hatchery at Arcadia, near Shepparton in Victoria.
This ambitious project highlights the significance of this iconic Australian fish and demonstrates the skill and dedication of our talented team of artists and engineers.
The inspiration behind the Giant Murray Cod
The Murray Cod is an emblematic species in Australian waterways, particularly within the Murray-Darling Basin. Known for its impressive size and cultural significance, the Murray Cod symbolises natural heritage and conservation efforts. Victorian Fisheries aims to use this sculpture to promote awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
A glimpse behind the scenes
Our goal was to create a lifelike representation that captivates viewers and educates them about the Murray Cod’s natural habitat and significance. The Natureworks team has turned the vision of a giant Murray Cod into a reality. The project involved detailed planning, expert craftsmanship, and innovative techniques. Here are some behind-the-scenes highlights of this exciting build:
- Initial design and planning
The project kicked off with extensive research and planning. Our designers collaborated with experts from Victorian Fisheries to ensure the sculpture accurately represents the Murray Cod. Detailed sketches and 3D models were created to guide the build. - Creating the framework
The first major step was constructing the internal framework. Using a combination of steel and other durable materials, our team built a robust structure that would support the weight and intricate details of the sculpture. This framework forms the backbone of the giant Murray Cod. - Sculpting the details
With the framework in place, our sculptors began the painstaking process of adding the details. Painting each scale, fin, and facial feature was carefully crafted to ensure authenticity. Our artists used a variety of techniques to create a lifelike texture, capturing the essence of the Murray Cod. - Progress shots: Bringing the sculpture to life
- Painting and finishing touches
The final stages involve painting and adding the finishing touches. Our team of painters brought the sculpture to life with vibrant, realistic colours. - Visit the giant cod sculpture!
You can visit the sculpture (and learn about sustainable aquaculture) at Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, near Shepparton in Victoria. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the incredible talent of our BIG THINGS sculptor artists.
Read more about the project
We documented the progress of this unique build with a series of photos that showcase the transformation of raw materials into a stunning work of art. From the initial framework to the detailed sculpting, these images provide a glimpse of our team’s hard work and dedication.
>> Click here to read the project case study
See how the giant Murray Cod took shape…
Many thanks to Time Lapse IT for the video photography.
