We began researching the story of Jonaas Zilinskas mid 2014 and found a wealth of information. Stories of amazing feats and inventions helped us create the Slovenski Statue signage. Jonaas was a Lithuanian born tightrope walker and he made this statue as a dedication to his maker.
Slovenski’s Statue – Getting There
4WD recommended especially if it’s been raining.
- Travel 43km north of Coffs Harbour and continue 6km past the Yuraygir turn off on the right
- Turn right onto McPhillips Rd and follow this graded dirt road for approx 2km
- Veer right onto Newfoundland Road and continue 1.7km
- Turn left onto Yellow cutting Road
- Further along at the 3km mark veer right staying on Yellow Cutting Road
- Upon reaching the gate, walk across the timber bridge and to the left you will see The Keyman
Jonaas Zilinskas statue signage
Some amazing facts about Jonaas:
- He could lift a full 44 gallon (205 litres) drum from a truck
- In his younger years he could support the weight of three women suspended from a leather mouthpiece clenched in his powerful jaws
- He developed a swingsaw to cut logs
- He cut timber in the forests wearing just his boots
- He swung cables between the trees to practice his tightrope walking
- One of 23 children
Date: March 2015
Service: Design, write content, create graphics, determine installation location and production method, project manage production
Specs: 2 signs total. 2 signs 1000mm wide x 600mm high
Client: NPWS Grafton
