K'Gari Coast

  

RB

This project sits within the fields of ecology, conservation, and design. 

The work explores the method of walking as inspiration for creation and means for the transition from space to place through the kinaesthetic senses. Tuan (1977, p18). supposes it’s the interaction with the senses and the pause in movement for reflection that can aid the transition Lippard (1997, p.9) states that only through the addition of kinaesthetic memory of the lived experience, grounded in nature, that the transition can occur.

This work emerges from Stuart’s PhD research asking: How can botanical observation be used as an ecofeminist act of ecological activism?

RC

A portion of ongoing research, K'Gari Coast is a printed swatch of fabric that is pinned beside its support sketch. The pattern printed onto the surface was created through a wildflower walk alongside a collection of exhibiting artists, through the town of Poona, near K’Gari in Queensland. Echoing Stuart’s commercial patterning practice, the pattern depicts endemic plants of the K'Gari Coast regions.

Through the method of walking, noticing (Mason, 2002) and observation of sensory inputs can spark a recollection of layered memories and knowledge that inspire creative outputs. The artwork, sourced from the method of walking and surrounding botanical inspiration, creates a means to transform the area explored from space to place (Tuan, 1977, p18). 

RS

K'Gari Coast was developed in response to an invitation to an artist retreat for the exhibition Wildflowering by Design based on the quality of the artists practice and ability to deliver the message of the exhibition. The exhibition is a contemporary response to the connection between women, art and wildflower walks. The was artwork accepted for exhibition by the curator, Dr Sue Davis. The exhibition was held at the Bundaberg Regional Gallery publicly viewable for 2.5 months and received 3835 visits and the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery for just over 1 month and received 1000-1200 visits.