Alex was awarded the first prize in the 3D section of the Bellingen Nexus Gallery members art prize for the ‘Gas Man’ – an artwork that recreates what the plague ‘doctors’ in Europe wore during the scourge of the bubonic plague. 

These ‘doctors’ were little more than public servants dressed in outlandish and optimistic waxed garb, carrying long canes (in order not to get to close to the dead, highly contagious bodies and to avoid touching them) and primarily employed to count the dead, as opposed to cure.

They wore masks, which Alex recreated. The mask was made of leather with a long 'beak' that was stuffed full of straw and aromatic herbs – they believed these would aid in dispelling the miasmatic air.

Mac gave his characteristic and charismatic touch using metal and stone, (yes, opal too) and the Winton Opal Jewellery Design Awards were duly mesmerised and awarded this most unusual piece first place.

"The mask caused quite a stir at the award ceremony and evoked some controversial discussions," said Mac, who, after winning sections of these awards two years in a row is still not ready to rest on his laurels or hang up his shingle.

He is now embarked on searching for this elusive gem “50 feet underground”.

“The shaft is sunk, the drive is well under way, and the dirt was dropped in the 'monkey’,” Mac said.