Steerage Sculpture

Canberra sculptor Jill Peck’s “Steerage” dominates the western edge of Herring Island. It beckons us to contemplate journeys, water, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Steerage Sculpture isn’t just a static piece of art. It’s an experience. As we approach the sculpture, a path guides us between two mounds, revealing this granite boat form. This Harcourt granite vessel doesn’t float. Instead, it rests firmly on the land, its prow pointing downstream towards Melbourne’s skyline. Peck envisioned the Steerage Sculpture as a metaphor for journeys. She was inspired by the constant activity on the Yarra River during her seven weeks on the island. The Steerage Sculpture represents not only physical voyages but also the exploration of knowledge. It’s a reminder of how environmental science can enrich our understanding of the world. Peck was captivated by the island’s unique position. Close to the city yet removed from its intensity, Herring Island offered a space for focused thought. Peck describes the dramatic changes she witnessed between her initial visit and the installation. The site had been flattened, presenting a challenge. She had to reimagine her concept, working with the altered landscape. The idea of movement became central to the sculpture’s development. The Steerage Sculpture embodies a tension between land and sea. This stone boat, a product of mining and subterranean knowledge, stands in contrast to the traditional notion of a floating vessel. Peck contrasts Aboriginal beliefs about the interconnectedness of land and sea with Western views of the sea as a separate realm for adventure and resource. Steerage invites us to consider these different perspectives, highlighting the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.