CENTRAL Victoria is in mourning after the death of Boort spanner sculptor and "incredible artist" John Piccoli.
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Friend Paul Haw said the community was still in shock, because Mr Piccoli had contributed so much in his years.
Mr Haw said he remembered Mr Piccoli as a small child at school, well-liked even then, being pushed about wildly by the other students in his wheelchair, the result of a bout of polio.
"He just had that wonderful nature and personality even when he was young," Mr Haw said.
"He was artistic, compassionate, never complained."
Mr Haw said Mr Piccoli became a keen farmer as an adult, an entrepreneur with everything from angora goats, to deer, even camels.
But what he was best known for was his artwork shaped from old spanners.
Mr Haw said Mr Piccoli had begun by making things like fruit bowls, then furniture, moving on to artwork in his garden.
He created a collection of more than 133 artworks, about 40 to 50 of them large sculptures sitting around his Barraport property.
The works became a mainstay of tourism in the area, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.
Mr Haw said Mr Piccoli was generous with his skills, donating at least three sculptures to Boort.
He remembered Mr Piccoli as friendly to everyone, and never complaining despite living with a severe disability.
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Mr Haw said Mr Piccoli was also a genuine artist. He recalled watching Mr Piccoli create a sculpture, lying on the ground to weld, with just a vision in his head as a guide.
He would start at one end, moving through to make the whole sculpture, Mr Haw said.
"It was unbelievable. It turned out absolutely perfect, he'd never have to alter a thing," Mr Haw said.
Mr Haw said Mr Piccoli's artistic legacy would remain, with his Barraport farm likely to reopen to visitors after a few weeks.
Mr Piccoli leaves behind his wife Sonia, three children, and grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on Friday at the Boort Memorial Hall, at 11am.
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