Elisa Jane Carmichael’s new public artwork ‘Strings of Waterholes’ is now open to the public at Herston Quarter, the heart of one of Brisbane’s largest health precincts.
Commissioned by Australian Unity, working together with Hutchinson Builders, and curated by Cultural Capital, the beautifully integrated work by Carmichael welcome visitors, residents and staff to this revitalised heritage precinct.
Carmichael says ‘Strings of Waterholes’ is inspired by gatherings. It is a place for coming together, a space that functions as both a yarning circle and a healing circle. Weaving is very healing and contributes to a holistic approach supporting positive mental health and social wellbeing. String making is a weaving technique which has sustained life for millennia for First Nations people all around the world. When weaving string, we weave strands together. When rushes are bound together as one, they become stronger. Just like we do as humans when we come together as a community.’
The seats are interlocked and are woven together in the shape of the string making technique. Where the seating loops open, Lomandra is growing strong in the centre, replanting native plants which once grew in the area, reconnecting and regenerating
Onespace is proud to have worked with Elisa Jane Carmichael throughout the project, providing design and fabrication support. Onespace would like to thank Australian Unity, Cultural Capital, Hutchinson Builders, UAP, Luke Harris and Perigon Electrical.
Photography: Cian Sanders. Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.