Features

Sculpting excess

William Eicholtz (BA(FineArt) 1993) is an established sculptor whose works are in public and private collections around Australia.

The Monash alumnus discovered his love of art at a young age, becoming a prop-maker for theatre and film following high school. After graduating from Monash, he moved on to a fine art sculpting career for exhibitions and commissions.

"I've made artwork since I was a boy. I remember looking through books on classic art and thinking, 'Where is this in my life?' 'Where is this fabulous, imaginative, unique stuff?' So I'd start to make it for myself and that's the path I've been on ever since," Mr Eicholtz said.

Mr Eicholtz's sculptures range from small pieces for indoor display to large-scale outdoor works. He uses a variety of materials, from polymer cement to fibreglass to porcelain and bronze. He "embraces excess" and so his sculptures are often adorned with silverware, gold leaf or Swarovski rhinestones.

Among Mr Eicholtz's most recognised artwork is the 'Lady of Justice' on the County Court of Victoria building and 'The Comrade's Reward', winner of The Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award in 2005 (Australia's richest annual prize for sculptors).

Along with his theatrical influences, Mr Eicholtz's artwork is inspired by everyday experiences.

"I go through life collecting visual images which just filter into my subconscious, from walking through the streets and galleries of European cities to wandering around a local op-shop and finding bits of thrown-away pop culture," he said.

Mr Eicholtz has fond memories of his days as a student in the Monash sculpture studio.

"I remember we stayed and worked in the sculpture studio over the weekend. We stayed until late at night. We'd be making work and having a drink, and talk about our artwork ... you could smoke cigarettes there in those days!" he said.

"Some of the fabulous things I got from Monash were that connection with the art world, learning how to think about making sculpture and friendships that have lasted throughout my life."

People person

For Robyn Campbell (BA 1977, LLB 1979), an accidental encounter led her to a career in human resources.

"When I finished law, I didn't necessarily want to practise so I visited the University's career office and asked, 'What are the alternatives to practising law?' Unbelievably, I met personnel from the Australian Security Intelligence Office (ASIO) at Monash that day. I ended up joining an early graduate program for ASIO and was ultimately placed in human resources!"

After years of human resources experience at various other organisations, Ms Campbell was appointed human resources manager at law firm Clayton Utz, Melbourne, when similar roles were uncommon in the professional services industry. Later she became the firm's first national human resources director.

Now director of management consultancy Campbell and Dean, she helps senior professionals advance their career through executive coaching, career path planning, outplacement and project work. "I assist executives who want to build their business, managers who have problems supervising staff and professionals looking for an alternative career. It's a very broad role.

I have one client, for example, who doesn't want to practise law anymore and is writing a children's book so I'm helping her with that," said Ms Campbell.

Ms Campbell is actively involved in community organisations, and is a member of several professional and business associations.

She also finds the time to mentor people working in the law and human resources sectors.

"I get substantial enjoyment out of mentoring young professionals. You get to see the next generation of people going through and that's very fulfilling. I think I get much more out of it than they do!"

To share your news, career changes or achievements with fellow alumni, contact Alumni Relations at monashalumni@adm.monash.edu.au.