Richard Wells, who grew up in Invercargill and now lives in Auckland, said the two Labradors — one with a ball in its mouth, the other with a leash, ready for a walk — were created to embody loyalty, security and a community that helped to shape people’s lives.
Mr Wells said a "sense of home" helped a person know who they were and shaped them.
"It’s your foundation.
"In essence, this is the inspiration for the sculptures."
The name of the piece was Leaders and in many ways the artwork represented the Southland community where he grew up.
"As a pair they reflect relationships, community and connection, all of which are vital to wellbeing and give you a sense of safety, security and solidity.
"It’s the solid values of our community that are portrayed in their stance and stature."
When people were connected to an area they were "part of the pack".
"The dogs are meant to celebrate loyalty, character and the everyday joy they bring to people — qualities I think are reflected in the spirit of Southland itself."
It was an honour to be asked to make the sculptures which, to him, felt like coming full circle back to his roots, he said.
"To me it’s an example of how the ‘can-do’ mentors that are so prevalent in Southland influence us all our lives."
It was important to him for the sculptures to be placed on the ground where they were looking up at people.
"They are honest and part of the conversation.
"You can sit next to them on the bench and have a chat."
He remembered he enjoyed playing on the bronze statues in Queens Park when he was a boy.
"I like to think that similarly people will interact with my sculptures and make connections to them."
They were made in his home studio.
"The sculptures very much become part of my life."
His test for whether a sculpture was successful was whether it made people smile, he said.
Plenty of people stopped by while he was placing the statues and the looks on their faces said it all.
"There were a lot of smiles in Esk St."
In September last year city councillors approved the positioning of the sculptures in Esk St by a seven to six vote.
They were commissioned by the Invercargill Public Art Trail Charitable Trust.
Trust members Joc O’Donnell and Sarah Hannan said they were very pleased with the sculptures and to see so many people interacting with them.
Mrs O’Donnell said once while she was looking at the sculptures a toddler came up to one of the dogs and put their arms around it.
"It was so cute [and] that’s why we need more art and sculptures to bring joy and delight."
