New Public Art at Byford
The new entrance public art for Edenlife Byford has now been installed, featuring four laser-cut Corten steel panels designed by multidisciplinary artist Casey Temby.
Developed as a site-specific response to the unique identity of Byford, the artworks celebrate the area’s natural environment, local history and cultural stories. Together, the four sculptural panels create a welcoming arrival experience that reflects the character of the community while contributing to a strong sense of place.
About the Artist
Casey Temby is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans public art, murals, fine art, scenic painting and sculptural concept development. She holds a Bachelor of Interior Architecture and an Advanced Diploma in Production Design for Theatre and Film, specialising in scenic painting and theatrical backdrops.
With a background in theatre construction, Casey has extensive experience in metal and timber fabrication, welding, prop and furniture making, and translating creative concepts into large-scale fabricated artworks. Her practice also includes exhibition design, curating, community arts engagement and arts consultancy, giving her a unique understanding of how art can shape public spaces and connect with communities.
Artist Statement
“I’m deeply interested in projects that bring together art, design and storytelling. My creative practice is rooted in research—exploring local histories, landscapes and the unique character of a place—and translating these into meaningful visual experiences.
For Edenlife Byford, I wanted to create artwork that celebrates the stories already embedded within the landscape. By drawing inspiration from local flora and fauna, the area’s industrial heritage and its cultural significance, the four entrance panels work together as a unified collection that welcomes residents and visitors while fostering a sense of belonging.
Public art has the ability to transform everyday spaces into places of connection, curiosity and pride. My hope is that these works encourage people to look more closely at the environment around them and appreciate the rich history and natural beauty that makes Byford unique.”
Inspired by Byford
The four entrance panels celebrate key elements that define the local identity of Byford, each interpreted through laser-cut Corten steel and integrated lighting.
- Flight Patterns: Inspired by the intricate feather patterns of the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, this artwork abstracts the bird’s layered plumage into rhythmic forms that gradually reveal birds in flight. The panel celebrates one of the region’s most iconic native species and its strong connection to the local landscape.
- Rainmaker: Beginning with a close study of a local Banksia flower, the design transforms its distinctive textures into flowing forms reminiscent of falling rain. The work references the Noongar story of the black cockatoo as a rain bird, connecting native flora with cultural storytelling.
- From Earth and Fire: This panel pays tribute to the historic Byford State Brickworks, whose locally produced bricks helped shape both Byford and Perth. The brick-inspired pattern and weathering steel reference the colours, textures and enduring legacy of one of the area’s most significant industries.
- Marri (Corymbia calophylla): Inspired by the deeply fissured bark of the Marri tree, this artwork celebrates one of the region’s most important native species. The hand-drawn pattern reflects the tree’s rich organic texture while acknowledging its ecological importance for wildlife and its cultural significance for Noongar people.
Reflecting the Shire’s Public Art Themes
The completed artworks reflect several of the Shire’s key public art themes:
- Natural Environment: Celebrating the distinctive flora and fauna of the region through references to the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Marri Tree and Banksia.
- Belonging: Connecting people with local history by acknowledging the Byford State Brickworks, Noongar cultural stories and the landscape that has shaped the community.
- Playfulness: Using bold forms, layered textures and changing light to create engaging artworks that encourage discovery from different viewpoints, whether experienced by pedestrians or passing vehicles.
Creating a Sense of Place
Installed at the entrance to Edenlife Byford, the four sculptural panels work together as a cohesive public artwork that welcomes residents and visitors alike.
By combining research, storytelling and contemporary fabrication, Casey Temby’s design creates a memorable gateway that celebrates Byford’s environment, heritage and community, demonstrating how thoughtful public art can strengthen identity, foster belonging and enrich everyday public spaces.
