City of Guildford - Monitor Lizard
Cement-Sculpted Public Artwork
Commissioned by the City of Guildford, this 12-metre-long monitor lizard sculpture that wraps around the playground was designed by renowned Noongar artist Tjyllyungoo-Lance Chadd, celebrated for his work on Wirin, the iconic Noongar statue in Yagan Square, Perth.
Tjyllyungoo designed the theme of the park around the Dreamtime story of “Koolbardi” the Magpie and “Kaarda” the Racehorse Goanna.
Sublime Stone Solutions was engaged by CDM Studios to construct the metal armature and sculpt the lizard, providing the foundation for Tjyllyungoo’s detailed painting.
We were honoured to contribute to this culturally significant project and encourage visitors to explore its deeper storytelling.
Location: Spring Reserve, Guildford, WA
Artist: Tjyllyungoo/Lance Chadd
Studio: CDM Studios
Sublime Stone Solutions Role:
Translating a scaled foam model of the lizard’s torso (supplied by CDM Studios) into a full-scale sculpture
Fabricating a welded metal armature to form the structural base
Applying a GFRC cementitious scratch coat for durability and sculptability
Hand-sculpting anatomical details and skin textures, ensuring accuracy and lifelike realism
Finalizing the form before handing it over to Tjyllyungoo for the painting process
Progress shot : Welded metal armature to form the structural base
About the Artist
Tjyllyungoo/Lance Chadd is a Bibbulmun Nyoongar/Budimia Yamatji artist, born in the southwest of Western Australia. Painting under his traditional tribal name Tjyllyungoo (meaning Elder Man/Wisdom/Law), his work is widely recognised and respected throughout Southwestern Australian and international art circles, as well as among Aboriginal communities, art curators, and researchers focusing on Southwestern Aboriginal Art and artists.