Ballina Public Art – Suvira McDonald Steel Sculpture

Regatta is a striking steel sculpture by local artist Suvira McDonald, inspired by the rhythm and beauty of Ballina’s river culture. The artwork reflects the lively atmosphere of weekends when the sails of the local Ballina Sailing Club sweep across the river’s surface — a scene of movement, light, and community connection.

The sculpture’s net-like forms are delicately embedded with fish motifs, evoking the flow of water and the abundance of aquatic life. With its elegant curves and dynamic composition, Regatta captures the essence of the Richmond River — fluid, reflective, and deeply tied to the town’s identity.

Suvira McDonald is a Northern Rivers artist whose practice spans ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. He holds a Diploma in Ceramics and a Master’s Degree in Visual Art from Southern Cross University. Over a career spanning three decades, Suvira has taught ceramics and sculpture, exhibited widely, and received numerous awards. His works combine materials such as steel, wood, stone, and ceramics, often exploring natural rhythms, form, and texture.