It was this big | Lump

“IT WAS THIS BIG” Martin Spinks.

IT WAS THIS BIG.  A Sculpture for Benaraby, Queensland

Martin Spinks engaged Lump Sculpture Studio to fabricate a permanent public artwork for display on the Bruce Highway in the small Queensland town of Benaraby. His concept, “IT WAS THIS BIG”, depicts two monumental hands measuring the size of a Barramundi fish, a tribute to the town’s fishing culture and the hardworking hands of the surrounding mining industry.

Standing 4.5 metres tall, the corten steel hands stretch wide apart as if telling a story of the “big one that got away.” Between them, the Barramundi floats in 11 shimmering aluminium segments, its body incomplete, as one passer-by noted during installation, “all of the good eating parts are missing.”

Lump’s designers and engineers worked closely with Martin to bring his vision to life. Each faceted hand was fabricated from more than 226 welded steel pieces, while the segmented Barramundi was crafted from lightweight aluminium. The result is a sculpture that shifts in appearance depending on your viewpoint.

The project took six months to complete and three days to install, with support from Matheson Cranes in Gladstone and photographer Paul Williams who documented the process.

Joining Australia’s iconic “Big Things” tourist trail, “IT WAS THIS BIG” celebrates both local culture and community spirit, making it a must-see landmark along the Bruce Highway.

Corten Steel, Aluminum, Powder coat.
Caltex Service Station. Bruce HWY, Benaraby. QLD.