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Art Inspires at Culgoa
Publish date: 23 July 2023
The unseasonal warmer weather has provided a welcome reprieve from wintry conditions, much to the delight of 20 budding artists who ventured to Culgoa for a creative day of lino art.
While walking along the Tyrrell Creek, they sought inspiration from the natural environment, while workshop facilitators, local artist Kristie Dean and Kristie Witt, a proud Wotjobaluk woman, shared stories of artwork and culture.
Designs ranged from gum leaves to abstract coffee cups. For some, the hardest part was deciding what to draw.
Once the designs were chosen, the process involved carving the design into a block of lino, rolling ink onto the carved surface, and pressing paper on top to produce a print. Despite its simplicity, the results were incredibly detailed and complex.
A delicious lunch from the Mallee Bunker Café and Pantry was shared, with all abilities catered for, with foam prints available for those who couldn’t manage the lino carving tools.
Kristie Dean and Kristie Witt brought their extensive experience and unique perspectives to the workshop, enriching the participants' understanding of the art form.
Their professional guidance and approachable teaching style made the process enjoyable and accessible for everyone involved. They also took the time to share personal stories and cultural insights, which added a profound depth to the artistic experience.
Many attendees noted how the workshop not only honed their artistic skills but also helped them connect communities, with attendees from across the Buloke Shire.
“The opportunity to meet and talk with other community members from our shire who shared a common interest was so good for the soul,” participant, Marion McAuliffe stated.
“As a creative person I have found it hard in a remote rural setting to find other people that are interested in art and craft. Having the time to connect and create was such an enjoyable experience.
“As a mother of young children, the workshop also provided the opportunity to learn and develop a new skill with space and time and uninterrupted focus - which is so important for my mental health... I loved the day and I hope more opportunities to socialise outside of sport are offered in our community.”
Made possible by the support of the Buloke Shire Council, promoting community engagement through art and culture as part of Community Recovery, it is generously funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments' Community Recovery Hubs program.
This initiative aims to bring communities together, offering creative outlets that promote mental well-being and social cohesion in the wake of challenging times.
For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
Photo 1 –Busy at work, Marian McAuliffe, Julia Ambrizas, Fran Haddrick, Mary-Ann Sait and Julie Bourke
Photo 2 – Artist Kristie Witt sharing stories
Photo 3 – Lino art drying
Photo 4 - Kristie Witt demonstrating ink printing
Photo 5 – A feather cut into lino