But, with a passion and talent like local artist Stephen Irwin, he makes balancing the art with his business designing products for horse farms seem like an easy feat.

Irwin has been a Scone local for the past 30 years – and his work is the epitome of ‘Australia’, using recycled objects or discarded metal to create masterpieces that all have a unique story.

His work has already been displayed at the Sculptures in the Garden exhibition in Mudgee, receiving two impressive wins. 

However his latest feat is arguably the most impressive yet, being selected to exhibit his pieces at the World Polo Championship Art Exhibition from October 21 to 29.

Curated by Selina Hitches, there will be an amazing $14,000 in prizes awarded to artists including a number one prize of $7000.

“Selina Hitches called me and said she was searching the web looking for artists, came across my website and loved the work that I did – inviting me to exhibit it,” he said.

The exhibition will run in conjunction with the internationally renowned World Polo Championship, tipped to be the biggest yet.

Selina Hitches, who will also judge the competition, said she chose works based on imagination, thought provocation or through the sheer magnificence of their aesthetic qualities.

An humble Stephen Irwin said he was overwhelmed and over the moon to be selected.

“It’s not an easy competition to get into and this is the first time ever that the World Polo has come out and announced an art exhibition,” he said.

Fitting in with the exhibition’s required themes of ‘Australia’ and ‘Polo’, Stephen has been welding away at two beautiful pieces that will be on display later this month.

The first is named “The Broken Wire” and there is a story behind the work, with the sculptor writing a poem to accompany it which reads:

“He has survived 13 droughts, 3 were crippling and he lost most of his stock.

He rebuilt, he restocked, he borrowed more.

He married the love of his life, they had three boys.

The rains came, the crops were full, thick and busheled well. They borrowed again, they expanded.

The floods came, the crops rotted, yields were low but cattle prices rose. They borrowed again, they bought more stock.

Ruth got breast cancer. They took both off. They survived, she survived. 

They had three good years, paid the loan down. 

Two boys married, nice girls.

They expanded more, partnered up with the boys: Wilson and Sons incorporated.

No rain, it’s bloody dry.

The fires came, they lost 80 per cent, just gone like that. 

They made the call, they borrowed again.

I’m tired of this heart ache, I’m getting old – but not enough to stop yet, we need more rain mate.

The bank called, not good, not good at all.”

The second artwork to be exhibited is a three piece metal-work sculpture named “You Played Fabulous Darling” consisting of a polo bridle, stick and mirror frame.

“It’s as if the contestant has finished the game, hung up the bridle and is looking through the mirror,” he said.

Tickets are available for the exhibition online via www.wpcsydney.com.

More of Stephen Irwin’s work can be viewed at http://www.stephenirwinsculpture.com.au/.