'Close Knit' was conceived based around providing the high density accommodation of the area with what many residents will never experience; the iconic ‘Aussie’ backyard, symbolised by washing on a Hills Hoist. This concept was transposed into several elements, including two large flying jumper sculptures. These stainless steel and fibreglass structures are supported on slanted poles, reminiscent of Hills Hoist arms. The jumpers appear to catch the breeze, and billow up, like washing on the clothesline on a sunny day, and cast lovely shadows across the paths and gardens. They are bright and joyful reminders of simple homespun joys. The handcraft theme is also featured in knitted concrete garden walls throughout the gardens. As if the wind is captured in the movement of the Hellenistic drapery, these panels echo the Lady of Justice, an earlier work of mine on the Victorian County Court. These feature walls bring a softness to the park and hark back to classic European garden design. There are 6 finial/balls of wool marking gateways and entrances to the park, as well as a couple randomly scattered throughout to be discovered. There is also a draped plinth at the Peel street entrance which has my signature. Again these elements echo traditional garden design and are a tactile and recognizable link to the hand knit themes of the park. Given the strong themes of domesticity and handcrafts, I have titled my work ‘Close Knit’, as it applies to the purpose of this public space as well as the works scattered throughout. Yarra City Council delivered Cambridge Street Reserve in partnership with the Victorian Government, who have supported the project with $1.3m funding. Yarra City Council has invested a further $731,130 towards the project. Urban Imitative Landscape Design worked with artist William Eicholtz at the beginning of the design process to consider the needs of a growing high-density population of the area. At double the size, with extensive park seating and a large lawn space which is shaded by native trees, Cambridge Street Reserve is now the largest park in Collingwood. 'Close Knit' by William EicholtzTwo knitted fibreglass 'jumpers' over stainless steel framework; six concrete balls of wool throughout the park; 25 metres of cast (drapery) concrete walls; concrete plinth at Peel street entry which is draped with a concrete knit and a ball of wool on top as finial; reverse rope reliefs on the front façade of eastern stairs. Artist name and date 'William Eicholtz 2023' inscribed on plinth with ball of wool on top as finial. handcrafts, domesticity, aussie icons, european garden design, public space, high density accomodation

'Inspired by the iconic character of the Cowardly Lion in the story 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and his contemplation of what it means to possess the courage to be yourself, no matter who you are.''Courage' honours the contribution, culture and diversity of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) community, and is dedicated to the legacy of Ralph McLean (1957–2010), Australia’s first openly gay elected official (City of Fitzroy, 1982) and Mayor (1984), an advocate for gay rights and social justice, and a champion of the arts.Bronze statue of a male figure half dressed in a lion costume holding a medal of bravery with a lions head/mask resting on his foot. Accompanying plaquelgtbqia+, wizard oz, ralph mclean, eicholtz

Public Art Commission located at Corner of Hampton Street and Thomas Street, Hampton, Victoria 3188.bronze Public Art Commission located at Corner of Hampton Street and Thomas Street, Hampton, Victoria 3188.sculpture, public art, newspaper, hampton, bayside, william eicholtz, bronze