Against the current: The sculpture that many said was too difficult to instal.
Camera IconAgainst the current: The sculpture that many said was too difficult to instal. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Heaven and earth make way for water

Justin BianchiniJoondalup Times

Mayor Troy Pickard recalled a moment in the early planning for the art work in Central Walk when it was "just too hard".

He was speaking at Tuesday's unveiling of the four-font piece by WA artist Geoffrey Drake-Brockman.

"The first report (on a proposed sculpture) that came from the administration said this can't be done," Mr Pickard said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"There is a sea of easements that run through Central Walk to cater for various utilities that run underground and it was just too hard.

"The City's art collection advisory committee to their credit and endorsed by council said "no this is an important investment that we need in our city centre and we need to move heaven and earth to overcome these obstacles" and for that I thank my elected member colleagues for not giving up.

"Appropriate recognition to the CEO, Mike Tidy and Mike Smith and all the staff for accepting council's decision and then clearing a path to enable this wonderful art work to be enlivened."

Mr Pickard said Drake-Brockman had left a significant and valuable fingerprint on the city. He thanked him for his contribution as Joondalup made another step towards "our maturation as the capital of the north".

The artist comments on his own work.