City has special place in his art
STRAND Ephemera will take on an international flavour this year, with Chinese artist Luo Zhi Qi coming to Townsville to participate in the 10- day sculpture festival.
Zhi Qi arrived in Townsville from sister city Foshan on Monday for a six- week art residency.
An artist and sculptor for the past 30 years, Zhi Qi specialises in a traditional Foshan craft work skill called Zha Zou.
“I like to incorporate nature into my sculptures,’’ he said through his son, who is travelling with him as a translator.
“I will use an ancient Foshan technique to create a bird sculpture and will use my time in North Queensland to give me ideas for the project. I purposely choose this form to bring a little bit of Foshan to Townsville.’’
During his stay, Zhi Qi will also hold workshops, liaise with Townsville City Council’s Gallery Services, meet local Chinese residents and work on a Chinese dragon sculpture for the council.
He was officially welcomed at the Townsville Chinese Club on Tuesday.
Mayor Jenny Hill said she was excited to have Zhi Qi in Townsville.
“We can’t wait to see the beautiful sculptures Mr Zhi Qi creates and we know the local arts community will benefit greatly from his expertise and creative influence,” she said.