SEA WEAVE: WAVES OF CONNECTION
A Community Weaving Project
7 September - 3 November 2024 Balcony
In Waves of Connection, the tapestry of community is celebrated through a vibrant and whimsical underwater scene, meticulously crafted from the hands and hearts of around 500 individuals. This collaborative weaving project, set against the enchanting backdrop of the Limestone Coast, is an art installation and a testament to the unity and creativity of community.
Participants, aged from 4 to 104 years old, gathered for weaving sessions, learning the traditional craft of weaving. The beauty of this project lies not only in its final form but in the process itself — an inter-generational dialogue, where hands, young and old, intertwined threads, and lives, creating a strong fabric of community bonds.
The underwater sculpture brings to life an artistic impression of the ocean floor, bursting with colour and whimsy. Each woven piece, whether a turtle, fish, or hidden treasure, carries the unique imprint of its maker, encapsulating the diversity and unity of our community.
Waves of Connection is a homage to the ancient practice of weaving, reminding us of the strength found in togetherness. It is a collective artwork where every round holds a story, every knot signifies a bond, and every strand weaves the community closer. Through this collaborative effort, not only has a visual representation of an underwater world been formed, but also a profound symbol of connection and shared human experience.
PROJECT CREDITS:
Project Lead, Weaving Instructor, Weaver of Curios: Tabitha Lean
Sculptor & Weaving Instructor: Rachel Burke
Weaving Assistant: Mabel Peisley
Weaving Assistant: Eamon Peisley
Project Support: Alysha Herrmann
Weavers: Residents of Mount Gambier
This project was funded by City of Mount Gambier through the Creative Arts Fund.