Christmas in Brisbane

I know I've been slack of late, but it would be remiss of me not to do a post about Christmas in our fair city. Unlike our Northern Hemisphere neighbours, Christmas Down Under is not about snow and shovelling driveways, but rather about beach swimming, sand and sunburn (all of which I've been doing!) Queensland knows how to turn it on, and even though it has been a relatively mild Summer, its still Summer none the less. Even with the sun, Brisbane still does bring out some of the regular sights of Christmas, so I thought I'd bring them out here to share with you in the spirit of Peace, Love and Joy of the Season. My son and I had a walk around the city on Christmas Day, and here are some of the things we found.


Commercialism is still alive and well on the city streets. There were a lot of people in and around the city, and the main restaurants on the Mall were doing a brisk trade. There were also a number of souvenir shops open, and this particular Santa took my eye. Although he's didn't seem as "tanned" in the flesh before we took the photo, the camera doesn't lie. Obviously he'd been out in the Queensland sun as well! Probably taking in the new swimming pool over at South Bank Parklands after his evening of present deliveries. Hey, what better place in the world to have your after work break up?

At the Myer Centre, the tradition Christmas Windows this year featured "Uno's Garden". Based on the excellent illustrative story by Graeme Base, it depicts a forest, filled with wild and wonderful animals, Uno's unique family and friends. With animals such as the Snortlepig, you know it is going to appeal to kids! Graeme has created some wonderful characters, and it is great to see them brought to life, or at least 3D, in this format. Each year, the Myer window decorators depict scenes like these, along with a traditional Christmas themed window for everyone to enjoy.


Christmas on the I Love Brisbane Blog wouldn't be complete without a few sculpture images. Within the Mall there are a number of Angel sculptures which have been used to stunning effect overlooking the shoppers and reminding them that it isn't all just about bargains. Surrounded by snowflakes, these works are spectacular, and at night are lit up with small lights to add to the dynamic effect. These sculptures were created by Iceworks Design of Paddington, who spent several months designing and creating sculptures to adorn the Mall.

Along with the Angels and snowflakes, at the top of the Mall beneath the Christmas tree is a large sculpture of Santa and his reindeer. Riding his sleigh, with it packed full of gifts, he's ready to go. The intricacy of the design is quite astounding, and you can see the immense effort which has gone into these works to highlight the skill of the sculptors. The sculptures are all handmade from stainless steel and acrylic and are illuminated by thousands of LED lights. And on that note, as this will probably be my last post for 2007, I would like to wish everyone a post Merry Christmas, and more importantly a fantastic and Happy New Year. All the best to the readers of this Blog, and I look forward to more posts into 2008.



Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Big Sister

Just outside the Pig 'N' Whistle pub and Michael's Restaurant at 123 Eagle Street is a unique and fascinating sculpture. Entitled Big Sister, the work by J. Seward Johnson Jr depicts two very lifelike characters. The younger girls awaits as the big sister ties her shoe, in a childlike scene reminiscent of many a familiar family scene. The kneeling teenager wears a blue skirt and a white blouse. Both figures have hair pulled into ponytails and held in place with blue barrettes.

Clearly the piece is identified as the work of J. Seward Johnson Jr, a renowned American sculpture, and part of the Johnson & Johnson dynasty. After initially having a career as a painter he turned his talents to sculpture in 1968. Since then he has created over 250 lifelike and life-size cast bronze statues of people of all ages engaged in day-to-day activities. This technique, Trompe-l'œil, involves the artist providing extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects really exist.


What most fascinates me about this work is whether this is an original, or a copy. If it is the original as I believe, I have no clear path as to how it made it to Brisbane. It has been located, as far as I can identify at various times, in Las Vegas, NV, Hamilton, OH, Phoenix, AZ, and Geneva, IL - all in the U.S. The original work can be seen in its original placement and in more vivid colour on his Web Site under the Collections section, in the Children and Families - Children area. Regardless, it is still a fantastic piece, and no matter how it got here it is another fine example of worldly public artwork in our great city.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Big Feathers

Big Feathers is a sculpture in the Queen Street Mall which was commissioned by the Brisbane City Council in 1999. Located in the heart of the mall, near Jimmy's, it was created by Sydney-based artist Bronwyn Oliver. Made from aluminium, the sculpture consists of two large and intricately constructed aluminum feathers which are suspended on overhead wires.

The associated plaque details how the image of the feathers floating downwards connects the earth and sky. Like birds, people flock together to socialise, preen and display. Given that the Queen Street Mall is the premiere gathering place in the city, the associations of how both people and birds use their "plumage" is represented in this piece. As the plaque says "'Plumage' attracts attention, displays status and virility, beauty and availability, and indicates belonging to one group or another." Also, the feather brings an image of the natural world into the city centre.


Bronwyn Oliver was born in 1959 and passed away in 2006. She has contributed in a very unique and significant way to visual culture in Australia, with a large body of public works over her 20 years of producing sculpture. I feel blessed that we in Brisbane were recipients of one of her works in the public domain, and that it has made it to such a prominent place in the mall. Again, I wonder how many people pass underneath each day, not knowing that a feather like touch is just above them!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Building Blocks of Life

"Building Blocks of Life" is a sculpture located in the City Botanic Gardens. Created by sculptor Antone Bruinsma, it was gifted to the gardens in 1988. The imposing work features a traditional family, with the father protector stoically holding the mother and two young children under his protective and watchful eye. The mother is with the younger of the children, whilst the older child resides with inquisitive face and the large hand of the father. Standing over 2.4m high, it is sculpted in sandstone.

Antone Bruinsma is a Dutch born, Australian-based sculptor. Active as an artist for over twenty five years, he graduated from the Queensland College of Art in 1979. This work is reflective of his association with the Warana Festival (which became the Brisbane Festival) in the 1980's. To quote directly from his resume, I think this sums up his approach fantastically: "His sculptures are homages to Mother Earth and the gifts she bestows on us. He uses archetypal and mythological imagery, related to the environment and the community in which the sculptures will be placed."

Antone is quite an inspirational sculptor and has an obvious affinity with Queensland. His works can be found in many locations around Brisbane and the Great South East. He is an active community member, and I must agree by reviewing his works that he has enriched all of the areas which have had his works and sculptures on display. I love the way he has captured the essence of family within the sculpture, which I agree are truly the building blocks of life. I would highly recommend exploring his sculpture park in the Gold Coast hinterland at Cedar Creek, south of Brisbane.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Adelaide Street Animal Sculpture

The light posts on Adelaide Street between George and Edward Street are home to a menagerie of sculpted creatures. Created by artist Fred Whitehouse, they include Birds, a Flying Fox, a Frog, a Goanna and a Possum. They are installed in Adelaide Street as permanent artworks. They are all cast bronze sculptures and were installed in 1996.

The detail of each is exquisite, even after more than ten years of peering down on the bus travellers of Brisbane. The recent roadworks and ongoing shop front work have meant that they may not be as obvious to those wandering past, but all you have to do is look up. Fred Whitehouse has other works installed around the city suburbs, however, I'm unsure if he is a local Queensland sculptor, or just happened to be passing through in 1996, when the bulk of his works in the area were installed.

These are more examples of public artwork which blends into the streetscape and is not obvious to those doing their normal daily errands. It is fascinating to watch the responses of people as you turn your camera up to the top of a lamp post. Most people look at you with an expression of "What is he doing?" which soon turns to either delight, amazement or puzzlement when they realise that there are these fantastic creatures mere feet above their heads. I like the surprises, and that our city has these somewhat hidden delights - even if they are in full public view!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Frogs Hollow

Between the Port Office Hotel and Smellies Building at the lower end of Edwards Street is a small entrance way which has this excellent sculpture known as Frogs Hollow. Created by artist Christopher Trotter in 2000, it is part of his series on nature. As you can see, the sculpture is basically a resting place for all manner of metallic frogs!

In Brisbane's history, this was part of the low-lying, swampy district known as Frog's Hollow. It was bounded by George and Edward Streets to the north and south, the west by Elizabeth Street and on the east by Alice Street. In the 1880's boom period Frog's Hollow became the principal warehousing and light-industrial sector of Brisbane's central business district. The sculpture is inspired by this area, and the use of discarded metals is noted by the artist as acknowledging the significant founding ironmongery history of the building to which it is attached.

This is another excellent work reminiscent of one of Christopher's other pieces, City Roos. The attention to detail, and his ability to add character and a sense of fun to his works is evidenced by not only this piece, but the number of artworks throughout the Brisbane suburbs which he has also created. Frogs Hollow has been acknowledged as quite a rough neighbourhood in its heyday, although I bet the frogs were always friendly!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thomas Joseph Ryan Sculpture

Thomas Joseph Ryan was Premier of Queensland, Australia from May 1915 until October 1919. He has been immortalized with a bronze statue designed by noted Australian sculptor Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal which was unveiled in Queens Gardens in 1925. It is located diagonally in from the intersection of William Street and Elizabeth Street. The grand figure in full legal regalia stands upon a pedestal of Helidon sandstone and Enoggera granitebase with a plaque which identifies his stature in Queensland politics, and provides a remembrance of his untimely death.

Ryan was born at Port Fairy in Victoria on 1 July 1876. He was educated in Victoria at South Melbourne College, Xavier College, Kew, and the University of Melbourne, graduating with legal qualifications. Moving to Queensland, he practised as a solicitor at Rockhampton and then as a barrister in Brisbane. He entered politics in October 1909 as part of the labour party, and was elected leader in 1912 from whence he became Premier at the election of May 1915. He moved from state to federal politics in October 1919. Unfortunately, during a trip to England he contracted influenza, and on his return never quite fully recovered. On 1 August 1921 he died of pneumonia.

There are not that many of these types of sculptures in the Brisbane city area. This work effectively provides a memorial to a man who many believed could have been a likely Australian Labor Party leader, and potential Prime Minister, before his premature death. The sculpture itself is an excellent representation of who TJ Ryan may have been. The plaque notes that not only was he Premier, but also a Scholar, Jurist and Statesman. Given the piece was erected by public subscription, he must have been well respected within the community of the time.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Plant Form

Plant Form is a large steel sculpture located on the riverfront within the City Botanical Gardens. Brisbane City Council purchased the piece after the finish of World Expo 1988 and relocated it to this position within the gardens. Created by Robert Juniper, it stands over four metres tall and is an imposing artwork on the riverwalk. The easiest way to locate the artwork is to enter the gardens via the Alice and Edward Street entrance and proceed along the river.

Born in Merredin, Western Australia in 1929, Robert Juniper is considered one of Australia's most renowned painters, sculptors and printmakers. He is acknowledged as a major figure in Australian landscape painting, and he has also been honoured by the Western Australian government as a 'Living Treasure'. He's even been on Burke's Backyard! He studied commercial art and industrial design at Beckenham School of Art, England before returning to Western Australia in 1948 where he painted, taught and exhibited from the early 1950s. In the 1980s he investigated other artistic avenues, including stained glass and metal sculpture like the work presented here. He has won numerous awards with individual and group collections presented worldwide.

In researching Robert, I found reference that most of his sculptures are made from bits and pieces of rusty steel he finds in old deserted gold mining towns and dumps, and then welds together. This seems to fit this mold perfectly. I feel like this work is perfectly located. To me, the leaf elements of the work look like boat anchors, so the juxtaposition with the yachts on the river works beautifully. In a similar vein the same juxtaposition with the garden backdrop behind the piece works just as well due to the "plant" nature of the sculpture. Good planning, or just good luck? Who cares, it sure is striking!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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The Tidal Indicator

The Tidal Indicator is a sculpture created by artist Nola Farman, at Petrie’s Bight on the Brisbane River. It was installed in 2003 at the entrance to the Brisbane River Boardwalk. It was created as a commissioned work for the Devine company's then new apartment block River Place.


Sydney based West Australian artist Nola Farman has been commissioned to produce large public artworks such as this and others in Brisbane and throughout Australia. She also has international renown, with her works in collections in Paris, London, Canada and New Zealand. I am slightly unsure whether the stonework at the base of the sculpture is part of the artwork, and I assume it is. The inscriptions are quite reflective of humanities place in the world with phrases such as Here and Now and There and Gone.

I like how from certain vantage points the arch of the Tidal Indicator frames the Story Bridge. I also learnt something new as I researched this piece. "Littoral" means of or pertaining to the shore of a lake, sea or ocean. It is also used to reflect the area between the low and high water marks. This makes it ideal in referring to a tidal marker. If only our city's dam levels could reach these high water marks at the moment.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Topiary Surprise

Topiary Surprise is a cluster of sandstone sculptures located within the Spectacle Garden at Roma Street Parkland. Unveiled in 2001, the works are by Brisbane sculptor Rhyl Hinwood. They are sculpted from Helidon freestone.

Sited within the Spectacle Garden next to the topiary and maze, the sandstone is sculpted in domed forms. Rhyl outlines on her website that the intention was to reflect the shapes of the surrounding clipped plants, such as azalea, camellia, gardenia and dwarf bougainvillea. The surface of each of these has been etched to show the leaves of each of these plants. In addition, carved images of Queensland native fauna are also included, such as the cicada, snake, lizard and jewel beetle.

My youngest certainly loved exploring these sculptures. I'm not quite sure he was meant to run on the garden, but the invitation of the snake and lizard made it hard for him to resist, and he is less than two! He liked the smooth feel of the sandstone, and delighted in pointing out each of the animals he found. What a great way to show your kids not only the gardens, but the great works of art that are found co-located with them.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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William Buck Centre Windmill

The William Buck Centre at 120 Edward Street has an interesting windmill sculpture in its entry foyer. Well, this is what I've called it! I've been unable to find much specifically about the sculpture. As you can see from the pictures, it incorporates what appears to be a stainless steel spiral over an eight pointed framework. It rotates clockwise and must be close to 3 metres in diameter from casual observation.

The William Buck Centre incorporates some incredible environmentally supportive technology. It has a large solar panel roof structure, which has been built into the overall structure. The whole office tower has been designed to minimise energy consumption. Energy efficient features include movement and light-level sensors, low-flow shower roses, dual-flush toilets, movement detector urinals, flow limiters on taps, solar hot water collectors. Studies with the Environmental Protection Agency have shown the results of these efficiencies, and the tower has a 4.5 star building greenhouse rating.

Initially it was the novelty of the sculpture which drew me into the foyer in the first place. The panel underneath, highlighting information such as carbon emission efficiency gains, suggested that the building might have something more to offer. It was only when I began research into what the building was all about that I discovered its green nature. Lets hope that this offers more than a glimpse to the future, and all developments will incorporate these kinds of initiatives, as well as offering us unique public art.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Korea Malaya Borneo Memorial

The Korea Malay Borneo Memorial in ANZAC Square commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the wars in Korea, Malaya and Borneo between 1948 to 1966. Part of an R.S.L. Bicentennial of Australia Project, it was sculpted in bronze with a pedestal of granite by Rhyl Hinwood, and unveiled on 23rd April, 1988.

The memorial depicts an Australian soldier from the Malaya and Borneo Wars standing alongside an an Australian soldier from the Korean Campaign, with an arm outstretched welcoming peace and friendship. Australia participated in the Korean War 1950-1953, Malaya War 1948-1966 and Borneo War 1962-1966. As Rhyl describes it herself: "Two life size figures stand side by side supported by sandbags draped with camouflage netting. One wears tropical jungle dress while the other is depicted in winter gear mostly borrowed from other nationals."

This is another of a significant number of artworks around Brisbane sculpted by Rhyl Hinwood. She does both serious and humorous works, and has done both corporate and public items. I'm glad that some of these are available for all to see, and in particular this one, which has such historical significance in remembering those who died or suffered in war. The main image here is actually from earlier this year, when I visited the square and took some other shots, so you can notice the hoardings behind the sculpture which have since been removed.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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City Roos

On George Street, near the Queen Street Mall and opposite Brisbane Square you will find a collection of metallic sculptures known as the City Roos. As its associated plaque outlines, the sculptures are made from discarded scrapmetal from a cross-section of industries. Created by Christopher Trotter in 1999, the sculpture - as do many of his other works - takes a look at the creative and classic Australian culture of 'making do'. It also notes that the Roos symbolize the importance of sharing space and communication.

Christopher Trotter is a very active Brisbane artist. Born in 1967, his Curriculum Vitae highlights a sculptor with a voracious talent for working with discarded metal, creating all kinds of interesting art. As he outlines in his artist statement, "Time moves on, technology changes, shape changes as functions change. One thing remains constant - there will always be material to be recycled...". He has recycled the materials on display here to excellent effect.

I love, when doing research for this blog, to find information which goes beyond what it is that I've originally seen out on the streets. Christopher's web site is a fine example of this, taking you into the labyrinth of his work in a fun, interactive way. So not only do I have the delight of seeing my son and many other tourists enjoy the physical and whimsical nature of his sculpture, I get to enjoy a digital treat as well.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog

In the grassed area near Picnic Island at South Bank Parklands stands the sculpture A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog. This is near the Stanley Street entrance to the Parklands. The sculpture depicts the traditional image of a strong country male with his faithful dog at his side. The statue was commissioned in 1980's for the then new AMP Building in the CBD. This came about from a comment by Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen. At the official opening of the building she mentioned that the new building and the neighbouring building looked like 'a bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler dog.'

The associated plaque doesn't acknowledge who the sculptor is, and I haven't been able to find out from any follow up research. The statue was gifted to the South Bank corporation when the AMP Building foyer underwent refurbishment. The concept of the Bronzed Aussie is a national personification of the weather beaten but proudly strong Australian "battler". The bronzing comes from the constant sun endured by much outside work. The Blue Heeler is a faithful Australian cattle dog, portrayed here as loyally sitting by his master.

This really is an Australian sculpture. You don't get much more Aussie in representation than this, and the Queensland association is quite strong, as the sun burns brighter up here! The hands on hip defiant posture, the thick bushy moustache and the rolled up sleeves all show a man ready to work. It could be for shearing sheep, for herding cattle or for a session of fence fixin'. Regardless, our man is up to the task, and he'll knock down a cold beer afterwards. And all through it, his faithful Bluey will remain close by his side.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Mirage

Mirage is a sculpture located in the middle of the Brisbane Arcade, a shopping galleria which runs from Queen Street Mall through to Adelaide Street. At over 2.5 metres tall and made of stainless steel, the sculpture dominates the main thoroughfare through the arcade. It was designed by Swiss based Israeli sculptor Gidon Graetz.

This is another of the sculptures which was originally commissioned for World Expo 88. It was originally loaned for Expo by Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Adams Jr., of Los Angeles, U.S.A., in association with Galerie Lopes, Zurich, Switzerland. After the Expo it was purchased by Brisbane City Council and the Mayne Estate, and relocated here to Brisbane Arcade. World Expo 88 was host to one of the most prestigious international open-air sculpture collections in the world, with a total collection cost of some $25 million Australian dollars. Many of the works are now on display in various locations in many of Brisbane's popular parks, footpaths and near public buildings and arcades. You can even do a tourist walk which takes in some of these around Brisbane, if you so choose.


This is a striking work, and to me it looks like a large musical note, or the beginning of a tear drop welling from a crying eye. Although, like any mirage, viewed from a different vantage point, it is never as clear as first glance.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Net

Net is a stainless steel sculpture which adorns an outside wall at the entrance to the Neville Bonner Building at 75 William St. As part of a public art commission in 1998, the artist Barbara Heath has again demonstrated her significant jewellery skills by creating this large interlinked set of rings. These form the shape of an elongated cylinder running down the side of the building.

The Neville Bonner Building recognises the contribution to Australian public life of former Senator, Neville Bonner, AO. It is a permanent reminder of Mr Bonner's distinguished career and contribution to Queensland and Australia. Neville Bonner was the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the Parliament of Australia. In reading reviews at the time, my interpretation is that this sculpture refers to related themes of the area's original indigenous inhabitants including interconnectedness with the land and river, and their associated fishing practices, hence "net".

Barbara is certainly active throughout the Brisbane artistic community with both her work as sculptor and jeweller. I find it refreshing that not only does she do great work which earns her an income, but that she actively pursues public art and design projects. This, to me, allows her to give back to the community and allows us all to appreciate her craft. I've also had the pleasure of being in communication with one of her colleagues Malcolm Enright who has provided valuable insight into her work, as well as providing further resources on the wonderful city that we live in.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Queensland Womens War Memorial

In this ANZAC week, its appropriate to recognise another of the features of ANZAC Square. The Queensland Women's War Memorial is located on the western wall of the Square, below the Shrine of Remembrance. It was unveiled in 1932 as an initiative of the then Brisbane Women's Club and funded by public subscription.


Designed and sculpted by renowned local sculptress Daphne Mayo, it has two significant components. The most obvious of these is
bas relief in Helidon sandstone depicting a number of soldiers and horsemen with horse drawn guns in a military procession. This is highlighted with the inscription above which reads: "Erected by the Women of Queensland in memory of those who lost their lives through The Great War 1914-1918". The commemorative lettering surrounds a bronze laurel wreath. The second component is the drinking fountain which is made of bronze and sandstone. The interesting element of the fountain are the sculpted dolphins which hold it in place.


With work which has recently been undertaken at the square this area has been given a renewed lease of life. The detail of the relief is quite amazing, and shows the sculptor near the heights of her talent. Originally the memorial was to be just to servicewomen, however in 1929 the Women's Club decided to extend it to all the State's war dead. A truly fitting tribute.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Echoes from the North

On the footpath outside Queens Plaza on Edward Street is the sculpture Echoes from the North. Commissioned in 2004, the sculpture was created during 2004-05 by prominent Victorian sculptor Augustine Dall'Ava. Consisting of three distinct pieces, the bold colours used add a colourful impact to the street scape. The associated plaque outlines that "the form and highly reflective metallic colours are visual signifiers associated with Brisbane and the natural environment of the state of Queensland."


Augustine Dall'Ava was born in France in 1950 before being brought to Australia at a young age. In the early 70's he did a Diploma of Fine Art in Sculpture and in 1994 received his Master of Fine Arts. He has held various lecturer positions at prominent Victorian Universities. He has had numerous solo and joint exhibitions, and has a strong reputation as a published author. He has also won various awards for his work.

In one particular review of his work I read, he notes that "I fight gravity tooth and nail...". This is quite symbolic of this work, with the perched cube and crescent flame on two of the pieces looking precariously placed. I like how the reflected colours of this piece change depending on the sunlight. In the middle of the day they are bright and effusive. As evening comes they take on a more sombre hue.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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