Local Artists praised for their efforts - Queensland Mosaics Intiative
Local Artists praised for their efforts - Queensland Mosaics Intiative
Queensland communities were given an opportunity to create their very own piece of Queensland to form a section of a giant mosaic art piece as part of the Queensland Mosaics initiative led by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Government.
For many months Violet Woodward & Gina Anderson shared their skills and also sought the talent of local artist, Ron Devin who contributed his blacksmith skills to the hand-made symbols for both murals. Vi & Gina researched the history of the area of the newly formed Somerset Regional Council in order to produce the mosaics in a very factual and in depth way.
One mosaic reflected the past life style of areas from Fernvale and Lowood through Esk to the towns of Kilcoy and Jimna in the north. The second mosaic represented the future of the area and the artists wanted to project a strong, vibrant and prosperous future of the newly formed Somerset Regional Area. Both tiles represented aspects of our agricultural industries and our indigenous heritage.
The rich history also includes Henry Somerset who was responsible in part for the development of Somerset Dam and using a collage of photographs and symbols the artists endeavoured to highlight the era, of farming, forests and associated timber industry, to the arrival of the railway. Much praise, thanks and admiration is due to our pioneering families who have forged the foundation of the towns and industries of today.
Visions of the evolving dynamic Somerset Region is depicted on the future mosaic. Incorporated in this tile are aspects of the rapidly developing tourist industry around the Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams and also the Atkinson Dam. Boating, Fishing, Water Skiing, Camping, Bush Drives, Wineries, Horse Riding, Ballooning, Skydiving and Thoroughbred Racing are but a few of the attractions in the Somerset Region.
Anyone interested in viewing the completed mosaics are welcome to visit the 41 square metre art piece at the RNA Showgrounds at this year's show. All pieces received from Queensland Councils will come together to make this spectacular piece of art. Salvatore Di Mauro, senior lecturer in design from Griffith University's Queensland College of Art, will curate the piece.
Local Artists - Gina Anderson & Vi Woodward with the past and future tiles respectively
