Did you know that City of Whittlesea is home to more that 90 pieces of public artwork? We’ve curated some of favourites pieces and books to inspire the inner artist in you.
City of Whittlesea’s public art can also be viewed through their virtual tour. These installations explore and respond to themes such as local history, identity and the natural environment. The Public Art Tour comprises a selection of these artworks, which include but are not limited to sculptures, murals, mosaics, art trails and street furniture, located in parks, shopping precincts, community and leisure centres throughout the municipality.
To access the virtual tour and search your local area, go to https://arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/collections/public-art-collection/virtual-whittlesea-public-art-tour/
Golden Sun Moth by artist Benjamin Gilbert, 2016
“Based on the sensitive flora of the site, the endemic Golden Sun-moth artworks celebrate the intertwined lives of plants and beasts.
The moth lives on the roots of the Matted Flaxlily, a gesture of consideration of the environment and a reminder of the delicate balance of ecosystems”.
Sculpture information
Golden Sun Moth, Benjamin GILBERT, 2016
Location: Champions Parade, Wollert, Victoria, Australia, 3752
Material: Stainless steel and stone
Learn more about Benjamin Gilbert at http://agencyofsculpture.com
The Guardian by artist Damian Vick, 2020
The Guardian celebrates the connection between humanity and nature. It evokes a sense of calm wonder and demonstrates how the natural world affects our sense of well being. It acts as a reminder of the fragile beauty of the environment and our responsibility to protect it.
Sculpture information
Location: 100 The Great Eastern Way, South Morang, Victoria 3751, Australia (adjacent to Hillsview Recreation Reserve)
Date: 2020
Finish: Galvanised, painted and rusted
Material: 2mm corten steel, galvanised steel, timber, aluminium
Size: 2200mm x 5000mm x 4000mm
Learn more about Damian Vick at http://www.damianvick.com
Local Scroll by artists Phibs and Deb, 2010
Phibs and Deb worked with students from Thomastown Secondary College at two design information workshops. Students chose themes of local relevance to be included in the mural and have their feedback on the design.
The mural has a narrative of images including a local footballer, a cricketer, a house to represent the love of home, a woman and child gardening, two hands holding (one dark skinned, one light), a flying cockatoo, blossom trees, and a small eye to keep "evil eyes" and bad energy away.
Location: Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre (TRAC) rear facade, 54 Main Street, Thomastown
The Old Horseman by artist Kevin Gilders, 2006
Inspired by the early pioneers of the district sculptor Kevin Gilders created this statue of a stockman. He carved a cypress tree stump onsite using a chainsaw, after the tree was removed during the park construction.
Located on the hilltop, the stockman surveys the landscape, across vistas of farmland, and north to the Kinglake Ranges. These days, due to urban development he surveys the rooftops of homes, families in the park, and cars. The work reminds us of the layers of history of the land.
Location: Hill Top Park, 70W Brookwood Avenue, Doreen
Are you looking for some new artistic activities to inspire you? Yarra Plenty has you sorted! Our favourites include:
Kanopy -Great Courses: How to Paint (2019)
Practice painting in the company of an award-winning artist and professor. Not only will you learn how to select tools and apply techniques, but you’ll develop the visual skills and muscle memory that make painting an infinitely adaptable form of artistic expression. These 24 lessons feature hands-on demonstrations that bring the art school experience into your own home.
Quilting : 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Elli Beaven (2021)
Making is mindfulness made practical, and quilting is a renowned and rewarding craft. In Mindful Makes: Quiltingmaker Elli Beavenreveals the meditative nature of the quilting process and its empowering skillset for creating, mending and mindfulness.
Sashiko for making & mending by Saki Iiduka (2021)
Let this book show you the pleasure of repairing, reinforcing and making beloved items using sashiko embroidery! Sashiko for Making and Mending shows you how to use sashiko stitching to mend rips, repair things like fraying cuffs and create original accessories that look fabulous.