‘Tingers’ and the Squirrel Box
A tale of resourcefulness and friendship from Risdon Prison, Tasmania.
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Creative
In Creative Learning we get to see some amazing stuff made by talented people. The best part is hearing the stories behind how creative projects have come to life.
Meet Heath, who visited us with an intricately crafted varnished matchstick box embellished with a picture of a cheeky squirrel. Heath was accompanied by his mate Keith who helped make this masterpiece. Read on to find out more about “Tingers and the Squirrel Box”.
Heath:
When I was 11 I lost three fingers from my right hand in an accident. At 15 I had a hand reconstruction where the second biggest toe off both feet were removed and put onto my hand.
My kid came up with the nickname “Tingers” as I technically have toes for fingers.
Even though it’s years later, I am dealing with a lot of phantom pain, especially with the cold weather. This where you feel strong pain where a limb once was. On the outside I am prescribed medical cannabis to deal with these sensations but in here it’s not possible. I work full time running a business on the outside and keep my hand moving, but in here, due to the pain I can not work. I have been looking for something to pass the time constructively, so I decided to make my missus a special box for keepsakes.
Keith:
Heath and I know each other on the outside so it was crazy to find out we were in the same division, only a few cells away! When I realised we knew each other I was like “hey brother!”.
Heath:
It’s good when you know someone in here and before you knew it Keith was helping me out with the fiddly bits and details on my project.
Keith:
The box is made from 3000 matches. Matches are about $10 a bag. It was Heath’s idea to coffee stain the matches.
Heath:
This has been the first time I have tried making this type of thing. Keith helps me with the really small stuff, otherwise it would be in a million pieces. Making this box has made me think of my nan who I used to help restore old furniture. I loved helping her and the coffee stain idea came from her.
Heath and Keith are making another piece together which should be ready in time for Artists with Conviction in September / October 2026.
Both artists will be out soon.
Date Published
June 2, 2026
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