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Darebin Parklands mosaic project

The entrance to Darebin Creek in Gooch St Thornbury is marked by a large ugly concrete block, left over from some construction work.

Over the past year, I've been working hard to change that. The Friends of Darebin Creek received a small community grant from Darebin Council in 2019-20 to create a mosaic artwork on this structure using upcycled materials and we asked people to donate tiles and household ceramics to begin the project.

Much of 2020 was spent cutting and shaping the donated materials. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen countless changes of plans with restrictions and lockdowns, but we eventually were able to have two half-day workshops on 28 February at Darebin Parklands, Gleeson Centre.

Around 12 adults and children made nature-based elements and depict plants and animals from the creek and surrounds. It's been an organic process!

I have completed some of the work in the studio, but find it easier and more rewarding to be on site (depending on the weather). While integrating the elements onto the block passers-by and locals have enthusiastically joined in and supported me with cups of tea, buckets of water and feedback.

It's been wonderful to meet some people when I'm on site. Special thanks to Chris, Jess and Mia who stop by to chat and help out. They've made a flower, frog and part of the blue sky.

My facebook page has updates on how things are going we will be creating a sign to explain the background. Visit facebook

The Synergy Project

This bold, collaborative project took place over 2020-21 and involved eight artists.

Read the blog

Yarralea Children's Centre Project 2019

The Yarralea Children's Centre has been an important part of the Alphington community for decades.

The Centre celebrated its 60th birthday in 2019 and to mark the occasion, I was commissioned to make a mosaic work involving the children, teachers and the parent community. Families donated pre-loved crockery, tiles and other ceramics and this material was used in the work. We created four panels depicting nature scenes from the Darebin Creek and surrounds where the children have their weekly bush kinder sessions. The approach used in creating the work respects the Centre's strong emphasis on nature and integrating it into the lives of children as they play and learn.
In making the work, we acknowledged that indigenous culture and respect is integral to the philosophy of the Centre.
Materials used included upcycled crockery, remnant tiles and ceramics donated from tile stores or renovations.

Children aged 3-5, plus teachers came to five different sessions. Pieces were made on mesh and left to dry before being integrated into the work. Children chose to depict trees, flowers, insects, worms, people, birds and nature scenes.

It was great thrill to do this project, as I love working with children and always marvel at the enthusiastic way they work in mosaic. I also enjoy working with communities in a sustainable way.
A celebration to unveil the work was held on 17 November 2019.

Please check the Facebook page for close ups of
some of the items the children made for the mosaic panels.
Yarralea is a not-for-profit, stand-alone community Children's Centre.

Photo credits - Beetle & Bear preschool photography

Mosaics in Macleod 2018

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In 2018 I led a free community workshop in Macleod allowing people to come along and bring their chipped or broken precious items and make a mosaic. Around 30 attended and many joined in decorating a bed head that was put on display in Macleod Village after the workshop. This project was made possible with a Pinpoint grant from Banyule Council.