Frederick Beel is an award-winning artist whose career spans Australia. With a background in precision engineering, Fred specializes in metal sculptures that move and respond to their environment. He also works with concrete, wood, and found objects.

Fred’s work is both elegant and sophisticated, often infused with sociopolitical commentary that addresses key issues relevant to contemporary audiences.

With numerous public and private commissions, Fred’s work can be seen in various locations, including South Hedland (WA), Port Hedland (WA), Newman (WA), the Neumann Private Collection in Currumbin (QLD), the Clarke and Granger Designs Private Collection in Mt Tamborine (QLD), Kenmore (QLD), The Faithful Group in Cairns (QLD), and Adelaide (SA).

Believing that “a rising tide lifts all,” Fred has recently begun supporting and collaborating with emerging artists Shannon Best and Allen Lucini to form “The Left Ear.” Together, they are working on a new series of public sculptures. Their current project, “Kilung Moranbul Jum,” which translates to "Death by Smoke," is a commissioned piece that will serve as a focal point at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference (OTCC) at the Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre in October 2024. It will also be featured as an invited artwork at Swell 2025.

An exceptional mentor, manager, and strategic thinker, Fred has curated and installed several large exhibitions and has served on various committees and boards.

Appointments:

• Board Member, Scenic Rim’s Arts Reference Group (2024 - present)

• Committee Member and Newsletter Editor, Sculptors Queensland (2019 – 2024)

• Vice President, Beaudesert and District Community Arts Projects (BADCAP) (2018)

• Chairperson, Hedland Arts Council (HARTZ) (2006 – 2011)

• Organizer and Curator, Mt Tamborine's Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (TMAC)

• Coordinator and Curator, Sirromet Annual Sculpture Exhibition

• Regular Manager, Swell Annual Sculpture Exhibition

Public Art:

• “Jirrawinny,” a significant park piece in South Hedland, WA

• “Oresome,” a major entrance statement piece for BHPIO, Port Hedland, WA

• “Sedimentary Layering,” an entrance and park piece for a housing development in Newman, WA

• “Tear Drop,” a workshopped park piece overseen by Mathew Harding and FORM WA

• “3 Palms,” a memorial piece commissioned by the Hedland Town Council, WA

Prizes:

• Winner, Best Sculpture: Hedland Art Awards (2008)

• Winner, Best Sculpture: Hedland Art Awards (2006)

• Winner, Best Outdoor Sculpture: Brisbane Arts Festival (2021)

• Winner, Recycled Materials Category: Sculpture on the Edge (2023)

Exhibitions:

• “Beyond the Fringe” (invited artist), The Main Gallery, Adelaide (2022)

• Solo Exhibition “Fishy Fishy,” FORM at Courthouse Gallery, Port Hedland (2008)

Skills and Further Training:

• Qualified Fitter and Machinist

• Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

• Construction White Card holder

• Qualified in working at heights, confined spaces, and falls protection

• Experience in accident/incident investigation

• Expertise in risk/hazard management and analysis

• Bronze/aluminium casting and mould design with NSW artist Vlase Nikoleski

• Mentorship with leading WA artist Jon Tarry

• Sculpture and design training conducted by NSW artist Mathew Harding