A public Art Project in Cobden was the basis for this magnificent sculpture on the
banks of Cobden Lake (“The Dam”).

The processes of determining what form it should take, and then how it would be created, were determined by a small reference group of Cobden citizens. In conjunction with Corangamite Shire, this group invited expressions of interest in designing and manufacturing the project. But first the preferred sculptor had to understand what makes Cobden tick, and propose a design which reflected this understanding to the committee’s satisfaction.

The selected sculptor was Richard Walker - a sculptor and blacksmith who operates High Country Forge in Smoko, a small settlement in the Ovens Valley in north-east Victoria.

Mr. Walker said a common theme that arose during discussions with the steering committee was how well people in the Cobden community work together. This led to the design we see before us – titled “Connection” the sculpture reflects the many constructive connections which exist in the Cobden community.

“The community banded together to make the lake area what it is today,” he said. “I thought it was a really good message – if people work together, then things happen.”

Exploring this idea, he incorporated an old blacksmithing technique of using drifts and wedges to connect two pieces. “I made the sculpture, cut it in half and then reassembled it using the large stainless steel wedges.”

“The idea is that people are the wedges that hold a community together and if you remove the wedges, things can fall apart,” he said.

Sculptor Richard Walker said the water bird representation was an obvious reflection of bird life on the lake.
The 38-metre-high sculpture was installed on the southern bank of Cobden Lake in October 2018 and was unveiled as a prelude to the annual Cobden Spring Festival a week later. The Cor-Ten steel sculpture forms the shape of a swan’s neck, with a stainless steel bill at its tip. Four stainless steel wedges are driven into the centre, holding the sculpture together. The seat surrounding the base of the sculpture is of red gum.

“The contrast of rust and stainless steel makes it stand out and the red gum seating at the base is a place to sit and ponder the sculpture,” he said.

Cobden residents have been delighted with the result. The community has adopted the nickname “Connie” for the sculpture. 

“It’s very suitable because it encompasses the bird life around the lake and highlights our community connections,” one resident said.

“From the start the sculptor’s concept was very clear and easy to understand, and now that I see it I think it really speaks to the place and our community.”