Gifted to Southern Forest Arts by artist Tony Pankiw, Flora Portal is a collaborative sculpture celebrating the creativity, biodiversity and community spirit of the Southern Forests & Valleys region. Installed at one of the entry points to the Understory Garden Gallery in Northcliffe, the work features a colourful collection of hand-painted metal lids created by community participants of all ages and abilities through the Tin Lid Botanist project.
Inspired by the forms, textures and colours of native flora endemic to the region, participants were invited to transform simple paint tin lids into individual artistic responses — ranging from bold and abstract interpretations to detailed botanical studies. Combined together, these unique contributions form a vibrant sculptural “portal”, reflecting both the diversity of the local landscape and the collective creativity of the community.
Tony Pankiw is a Perth-based sculptor and artist whose public artworks are featured in schools, gardens and community spaces across Western Australia. A graduate of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) and the Victorian College of the Arts, Tony began his career producing large-scale screen prints exploring contemporary social themes, winning the inaugural Fremantle Print Award in 1982.
Today, Tony is best known for his site-specific sculptures that thoughtfully respond to the history, culture, environment and communities connected to each location. Working primarily in steel, his practice spans major public art commissions for State and Local Governments, land developers and private clients, creating works that foster connection, identity and a strong sense of place.
Follow Tony on social media: @tony.pankiw
