Dolphin, Whale, Seahorse & Marlin Sculptures
Queensland-based sculptor Michael Van Dam builds marine life from marine-grade stainless steel chain, with each piece taking hundreds of hours to weld. His dolphin sculpture, breaching whale sculpture, seahorse sculpture and marlin sculpture are made for the coast. The same material used on boats and jetties means they stand up to salt spray, pool water and harbour air. They make striking outdoor dolphin and whale statues for waterfront gardens, pool surrounds, marinas and resort entries.
Ocean-Inspired Sculpture
Beyond marine animals, our collection includes works shaped by the sea itself: wave forms, tides, swimmers and bathers, and nautical themes. Examples include Jason Aslin’s Barrel Wave, Ben Fasham’s Jewel De La Mer in stainless steel, and Mela Cooke’s bronze swimmers, including High Tide.
Choosing Sculpture for Seaside & Harbourside Sites
316 (marine) grade stainless steel: the first choice for beachfront, harbourside and poolside sites. A fresh-water rinse every few months prevents light surface marks known as tea staining. Outdoor stainless steel sculpture.
Bronze: naturally resistant to salt and moisture, and centuries of bronze statues on harbours and seafronts prove it. An annual wax keeps the patina even. Bronze sculptures and statues.
Corten steel: beautiful on coastal properties set back from the water, but not recommended where it will be constantly wet with salt spray, because its protective layer needs to dry out between wet spells.
Wind and footings: seafront sites are exposed. Taller works are fixed to an engineered footing or a heavy stone plinth, and sand, decks and sea walls each need their own fixing solution. We specify this as part of installation.
Harbour, Marina & Waterfront Placements
ARTpark has placed sculpture on some of Australia’s best-known waterfronts, including Walsh Bay and Woolloomooloo on Sydney Harbour, the Shellharbour Marina Sculpture Walk, and the Kiama Sculpture Walk on the NSW South Coast. On the Gold Coast, we managed the reproduction and reinstallation of the Kirra Sea Eagle on Kirra Hill. For marinas, resorts, councils and waterfront developments, see public art and large-scale commissions.
Delivered & Installed Australia-Wide
Every sculpture in our collection can be delivered and installed at coastal homes and projects across Australia, from Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, the Mornington Peninsula, Perth’s western suburbs and the Fleurieu Peninsula. More on delivery and installation.
Marine & Coastal Sculpture FAQs
What is the best sculpture material for a seaside garden?
316 (marine) grade stainless steel and bronze. Both resist salt air and need only an occasional fresh-water rinse or wax. Corten is better kept away from direct salt spray.
Will a stainless steel sculpture rust by the sea?
Marine-grade 316 stainless steel will not rust structurally. Salt can leave light surface marks called tea staining, which a fresh-water rinse every few months prevents.
Do you have dolphin and whale sculptures for sale?
Yes. Our collection includes dolphin, whale, seahorse and marlin sculptures in marine-grade stainless steel by Michael Van Dam, suitable for outdoor, poolside and waterfront settings. Many can be commissioned at a different size.
Can a sculpture be installed near a pool?
Yes. Choose 316 stainless steel or bronze, which handle chlorinated and salt water splash. We fix the work securely and position it clear of pool fencing requirements.
Do you work on marina, resort and waterfront projects?
Yes. Our placements include Walsh Bay and Woolloomooloo on Sydney Harbour, the Shellharbour Marina Sculpture Walk and the Kirra Sea Eagle on the Gold Coast. Call 1800 646 131 or email sculpture@artpark.com.au.
