After working as a criminologist for 20 years, specialising in law enforcement and prisoner profiling, Cowie opted for a career change when he discovered welding and metal work in 2006.

Cowie said he decided to become a full-time sculptor and metal worker and not return to criminology, which he called "working on the dark side".

"When I started welding I became infatuated with sculpting," Cowie said.

Primarily using mild and recycled steel, Cowie creates both decorative and abstract sculptures that are representations of the human psyche and intuitive processes.

"The finished art work tells me something about myself on an emotional or mental level or about my situation at the time," he said.

Cowie said he worked by a natural, organic process that allowed the materials to shape the forms of his art.

Apart from his sculptures and garden art, Cowie also makes a range of iron flowers from farm machinery and found objects that are available on commission.

He recently won a $15,000 art prize at the Mt Buller Easter Art Prize and Exhibition for sculpture.

Cowie has exhibited at the Convent Gallery in Daylesford and is currently working on a new series of sculptures for a solo exhibition there next year.