INSPIRING MEANING BEHIND ARTWORKS

NOT even the rain could stop Toowoomba artists from participating in The University of Southern Queensland’s Creating in the Park session at the weekend.

The event, which was hosted by renowned artist David Hinchliffe, highlighted the cultural importance of the university’s Gumbi Gumbi Gardens.

Proud Gomeroi woman Melinda Luscombe chose to depict Gumbi Gumbi leaves and fruit on her monochrome piece, which will eventually be framed and on display inside the campus art gallery.

“My family have celebrated our (Indigenous culture) at home for many years, but not a lot with other people because we were always afraid of the judgement we may receive from others,” she said.

“Because I’m quite a shy person and this is part of my family’s history, I’m really proud to be able to share my culture with other people through art.”

Bob Nason who is a retired wool and beef cattle farmer, has always been inspired by Australian landscapes and has painted them in his spare time for most of his life.

The Rangeville artist chose to focus his painting on the native trees found in the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, which was designed in partnership with UniSQ and First Nation elders.

At least 17 artists were selected to take part in the community event, specialising in wire sculpture, pen and ink, watercolour, oil and acrylic painting.

UniSQ vice-chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, who painted her own masterpiece on the day, said a similar event had been held last year to celebrate the Japanese Gardens too.

“This year we will be based at the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens – one of my favourite spots at the university,” she said.

“Through these very different mediums, we hope to showcase the diversity of talent and interpretation of this very special place.”

Picture: Kevin Farmer INTERPRETATION: David Hinchliffe works on the collaborative piece made by the participating artists of Creating in the Park at the University of Southern Queensland.

Pictures: Kevin Farmer COLLABORATION: Harristown State High School Year 11 art students Jillian Bonell (front) and Sophie Burton at work during Creating in the Park with David Hinchliffe at the University of Southern Queensland.

UniSQ vice-chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie at work during Creating in the Park with David Hinchliffe.

UniSQ curator Brodie Taylor watches as David Hinchliffe works on his piece.

Lyn Mason during Creating in the Park.

David and Monica Usher at work.

Uncle Wayne Fossey at work.

Melinda Luscombe at work.

Bob Nason at work.