Mountains sculptor Morgan Shimeld's eye catching cube formation has a special home after being created during this year's lockdown.
It is one of more than 280 artworks now showing at Mudgee's Sculptures in the Garden.
Regional NSW's premier outdoor art exhibition, Sculptures in the Garden, opened on Saturday November 6 and will run daily from 10am to 4pm until Sunday November 21. It is being held at Rosby Wines, 122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee Mudgee.
Organisers hope the two-week long, not-for-profit event will entice tourists to the Central West as restrictions on regional tourism have come to an end.
Born and based in Katoomba, Mr Shimeld has honed his welding skills over many years and was kept busy during the lockdown creating this powder coated steel work and many private commissions.
Mr Shimeld said "Cube Formation references both the built and natural environments. Mimicking patterns in nature, abstracted into a series of straight edged forms reminiscent of urban growth."
He said the piece took a few weeks of full time work, with extra time for powder coating and transportation.
"I've been working with geometric abstraction for a long time now, so these shapes come naturally to me."
Lockdown, he said "was challenging having four school-aged children at home, however the family time was good. It was good for the kids to see what I do day-to-day and they developed more independence and self direction."
His work continues to grow in popularity.
"Things have got quite busy after lockdown, as quite a few people seem to be interested in buying art after being home for lockdown. There has been a real post lockdown rush on commissions and interest in my work."
Other Mountains artists on display include Rodney Klajman from Blaxland, Henryk Topolnicki from Dargan and Anthony Xerri from Blackheath.
This is the 11th year of Sculptures in the Garden. The exhibition has contributed more than 20 acquisitive works to the Lawson Park Sculpture Walk over the years. Visitors who attend can expect live music on weekends from beloved folk-rock musician, Matt Boylan Smith; artisan picnic boxes by Mudgee locals, Blue Wren Farm; barista made coffee by Workin' Beans; and Rosby's premium wines from the Rosby Wine Bar.
The $5 entry fees goes directly to the Mudgee Support Group for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The partnership has raised more than $175,000 for the charity over the last decade. On weekdays food, tea and coffee will be provided by The Mudgee Support Group for The Guide Dogs Association, with all proceeds going directly to the charity as well.
Strict COVID protocols are in place with proof of double vaccination status a condition of entry for staff, volunteers, artists, and attendees.
All sculptures are for sale with prices ranging from $150 - $40,000.
Tickets at: www.sculpturesinthegarden.com.au
