Footings for Winchelsea’s eastern entrance sculptures are set to be poured early this week.
Artist Ben Storch joined Surf Coast Shire Council staff and contractors finalising placement of the structures on the Princes Highway median last week.
He said the 11 brightly coloured sculptures would bring a signature vibrancy to the landscape, with their shapes open to interpretation.
The original inspiration was taken from reeds and wild grasses of the Barwon River. Ranging from five to eight metres tall, the sculptures are curved as if rippling in the wind.
The work, along with a winged sculpture to be installed at Winchelsea’s western entrance, was jointly designed by Storch and project partner Matthew Harding.
Storch has been continuing their fabrication and installation after Matthew Harding’s sad passing after the project had started last year.
The two artists met when Storch joined Melbourne’s Gasworks Arts Park Sculpture Studio in 2012.
Both well-known in their own right, they discovered common design interests and started collaborating on projects from 2015.
Their work together includes two entrance sculptures at Rosebud using reclaimed timber from an old pier.
The Winchelsea sculptures, titled Dusk and Dawn, aim to connect the townscape and the natural environment.
“The sculptures for Winchelsea will always hold special meaning to me. I think they are a wonderful celebration of Matthew’s passion for nature, his creative spirit and life.
“He was not only a hugely talented and inspired artist but loved engaging communities in the arts. I miss him dearly.
Storch said he was grateful for the patience and support shown by the local community as the project is brought to completion.
He said he had enjoyed consulting with different community groups and hoped the community and visitors appreciate the sculptures through changing light and seasons.
The sculptures will be brought to the site, near McConachy Street, during the first week of October.
Traffic management will be in place during stages of the installation.
The western entrance sculpture is scheduled for installation later this year.
Winchelsea ward councillor Heather Wellington commended Ben Storch’s commitment to the project.
“We understand that this has been a challenging project in many ways,” Cr Wellington said.
“We appreciate Ben’s dedication to stay true to the original vision.”
Fellow ward councillor James McIntyre said he looked forward to seeing the sculptures in place.
“I like the dusk and dawn concept, east and west they will help identify Winchelsea as a creative and aspirational place,” Cr McIntyre said.
“Distinctive elements like these can encourage people to stop, linger, spend and appreciate our growing community.”
