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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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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