Gosford City's Well Being

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March 8, 2008:

The elusive Well Being of Gosford made a brief appearance during a lively event held in Kibble Park, Gosford (Art InTent 2008). Let us hope that Gosford's Well Being becomes a permanent inhabitant as these events and celebrations are encouraged and continue to attract positive Cultural Activity within Gosford City.

Conventions

Art InTent, Gosford 8 March 2008


Bloomsday Derive 2007 had me observing
particular habits of pedestrians.

Since, I have been paying close attention to
pathways of walkers, particularly those in a hurry.

I have noticed over the past nine months, that
the majority of pedestrians prefer to traverse the paths
provided, rather than the expanses of lawn.

I have always been a lawn traveller!

My observations led me to the conclusion that
the majority of people practice convention.
We are well trained!

The recent event Art InTent showcased many
recent Gosford Art projects, including the
Bloomsday Derive.

I base my work on my particular pedestrian observation.
I crafted a large crochet piece featuring only light and white
yarns.

In the centre, I placed leaflets. The leaflets contained the
word convention and every related synonym.

To the side I placed a table with a sign inviting pedestrians
to take a leaflet.

In order to take a leaflet, the pedestrian was forced to
walk over the crochet piece to the centre.

Among the synonyms were the words "do not walk on the artwork".
This is referencing "do not walk on the grass".
The statement also raises the question "is this an artwork?".

Conventions prompts thought about our social
manners; how we are led to behave in a
certain way.



If a pathway did not exist, we would make our own.

Let's Begin Here

Copyright Gosford & District in Pictures

After noting the neglected state of the 'fountain of my youth',

and the vandalism of the copper sculptural piece
which made Burns Place Memorial Fountain unique
(the piece not the vandalism),

I was prompted to do something...

I was talking to a fellow artist, Betty, about what I have dubbed
the ‘scoop’ (the missing sculptural piece) and the Fountain,
and how I wished to create an art installation to draw attention
to the state of the fountain. Betty, knowing my love of crochet
and knit, and knowing I had recently been looking at the work
of Jerilea Zempel, suggested a crochet piece. Betty, Robyn, another artist
friend, and I set to work.

Central Coast Express Advocate 29/2/08
An Alice Moment!

While discussing the project with fellow Contemporary Artist, Neil,

whose interests lie in Gosford’s cultural development, he brought attention
to the fact that the fountain’s accompanying plaque, bears no mention of the artists.

Australia Day, 2008

Robyn Wainman, Betty Saez and I revealed the
Scoop Shadow
The work remained until 1 March and
disappeared after an unusual cold weather snap!

Although the 'scoop' is currently being restored, I
feel it important, historically and culturally, for the original artists to be
recognised.

I am hoping that the Council will deem it important enough to place a plaque in
appreciation of the Lewers Family, Gerald, Margo and Darani, who
all had a hand in the design and planning of the fountain in the
early 1960s.