Storm Leaves is a series of site-responsive sculptural installations by Australian artist Anton McMurray. Placed at significant points along ngurrak barring, these highly expressive works were created in response to the devastating storm that struck goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges) on 9 June 2021 which toppled an estimated 25,000 trees. In a symbolic act of transformation and renewal, McMurray salvaged storm-felled cypress logs from the area, to handcraft five large-scale leaf sculptures.

McMurray grew up and has lived much of his life in the Dandenongs and Storm Leaves reflects both his deep-rooted connection to the natural beauty of the region and his reverence for trees as vital and enduring symbols of strength, intelligence and resilience:

“Having grown up in these hills, it’s an honour and joy to be creating artwork to exist in a natural environment I have an affinity with, and a community I have a great fondness for.” Mr McMurray said.

Each of the five sculptures is unique, featuring both textured and smooth surfaces, inviting a tactile exploration and reflection on nature’s mysteries and our intertwined relationship with the natural world.

“I believe good public art emerges when the artist has spent time with the land, tuning into place and the key ingredients of the site.”

“As an artist it’s my hope that my creations open the audience to an enhanced awareness and compassion for the life-force of trees and the ecosystems they support, which include us,” said Storm Leaves artist Anton McMurray.

ngurrak barring, which means mountain paths in woiwurrung, is a 39 km arts and culture trail through the Dandenong Ranges. Curated around five creative themes—Ways of Seeing, Community, Activism, Resilience and Country—each section of ngurrak barring provides a distinct lens through which to appreciate the various ways in which artists and communities have responded to the unique environment and landscape of the Dandenongs.

Four of the five Storm Leaves sculptures have been installed along the trails to date, two of which can be found at the trail entrances to the Country theme, one at Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista and one in Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights.

A third sculpture can be found as part of the Resilience theme at the intersection of Belview Terrace and School Track in Tremont, near the 1000 Steps and another is situated along the Ways of Seeing theme at the trailhead in Montrose. This site was chosen by the local township group, to mark a spot where a gum tree was lost in the storms.

The final sculpture is currently being created and will be installed near the Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden in Kalorama in the coming weeks.

More than just a walking trail, ngurrak barring tells local stories of art, culture and history through a variety of creative platforms including architectural nodes, permanent sculptures, land art and heritage interpretation.

The ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk project has delivered 14 kms of new and improved walking tracks, pedestrian crossings, permanent sculptures, and heritage interpretation across the Dandenong Ranges. The works have been delivered in partnership with the Australian and Victorian State Governments, and Yarra Ranges Council.