A whimsical caricature of a black cockatoo now sits proud of place alongside South Western Highway in Byford.
The 3.6 metre high metal sculpture was created by talented artist and sculptor Len Zuks and commissioned by local residents group, Byford Progress Association.
Mr Zuks, who has created all of the other sculptures situated around the Byford town centre, said this sculpture was a little bit quirky and had heaps of character.
“This one has so much personality radiating from the sculpture,” he said.
“It was probably one of the quickest ones to create as I already had bits and pieces laying around.”
Made in just four months, the sculpture has been finished off with roughly brushed gold paint, which Mr Zuks said adds to the character and makes it seem like it has been there for years.
Association president Colleen Rankin said the group decided to feature a black cockatoo at the entrance to Byford on the Scarp as an acknowledgement to the work the local SJ Landcare group does for the endangered species.
“They play a major role in preserving the native species and making sure their numbers continue to grow,” she said.
“The children in the area love the kangaroo sculptures around town, so we decided to include another sculpture that both the young and the young at heart would love.”
About 10 years ago the Byford Progress Association advertised to about 600 Western Australian artists to create pieces for the Byford community.
The group received about 20 submissions of interest, which was then narrowed down to about five people and Mr Zuks was chosen as the successful applicant.
