Peter McIlwain

Pathmarker Birds 1–7, 2022

automotive paint on laser-cut Tricoya

Commissioned by Yarra Ranges Council in 2022, Peter McIlwain’s series of geometric abstracted birds were installed as temporary artworks along sections of ngurrak barring until June 2025, first as part of the Sassafras Art Walk and subsequently at Birdsland Reserve. Made from digitally designed modular components representing various body parts, this bas-relief artwork draws on ancient ways of seeing (x-ray art, petroglyphs) and modern design concepts. The works presented as way-finders along the path and like the local birds, offered small bursts of colour in the bush.

Peter Mcilwain has had a varied career as a commercial artist, a musician and composer and an academic, teaching and researching in music. His work is recognised for its imaginative innovation, technical skill and knowledge. More recently he has focused on visual art and has established a local profile working in public art settings.

Peter Mcilwain was appointed to the project prior to his election as a Yarra Ranges Councillor.