Capturing the Art of Steel Sculpture with David Graham –
A Storytelling Photography Project
Behind the Sparks: David Graham Steel Sculptor at Ashmore Arts
David Graham is a steel sculptor (Simply Forged) based at Ashmore Arts on the Surf Coast of Victoria. Known for his ability to transform raw steel into fluid, lifelike forms, he is a true master of his craft. I had the privilege of documenting his process through my storytelling photography, creating a visual record that goes beyond the finished artwork and celebrates the journey of making.
The rhythm of creation begins long before sparks fly — in the quiet order of the workshop, where tools wait to be lifted into action.
This documentary series of photographs captures David as he creates one of his incredible steel pelicans. It’s one thing to stand before the final sculpture and admire its beauty — but have you ever thought about the process behind it? How many hours of planning, how many hammer strikes, how much vision and patience it takes to bring something like this to life?
I was completely blown away (pun intended) by the layers of skill and patience involved. David Graham, steel sculptor at Ashmore Arts, isn’t just a sculptor — he’s a storyteller in steel.\
The quiet dedication behind the finished piece.
Watching David at work was a full, holistic experience. I observed him painstakingly heating and hammering the steel, shaping the body feather by feather. Before the sculpture even took form, he calculated exactly how many feathers a pelican would need. Each piece was forged, bent, and positioned with purpose, creating flow and movement that feels alive. These are the hidden layers of craftsmanship that most of us never see.
It’s here, in the small details, that the sculpture transforms from metal into something alive.
As a documentary photographer, this is exactly why I love what I do. My role isn’t just to capture a polished artwork or a posed moment, but to tell the deeper story — the hands, the tools, the process, the unseen hours that make the end result possible. David’s work reminded me how important it is to slow down, observe, and honour the journey as much as the destination.
This body of work was created purely from joy and passion, not for attention, but for the love of storytelling. And I feel proud to share it.
Piece by piece, strike by strike, the pelican emerges — an artwork alive with rhythm and patience.
If you’re a local artist, maker, or a business in the Surf Coast, Torquay, or Geelong region, I’d love to help document your story too. Through documentary photography, I capture the process, the passion, and the human moments that make your work unique.
Because your story is as important as the finished product.
To bring the story to life even further, here’s a short slideshow video capturing David Graham, steel sculptor at Ashmore Arts, in action.
“This video slideshow documents the making of David Graham’s steel pelican sculpture, shown alongside my photographs in the Ashmore Connections exhibition.”
If you loved this, check out more Ashmore Artist or our blog on ‘No more stock photos‘