Join us for the unveiling of this wonderful sculpture project at The Bug Rug. There will be a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony from a Wurundjeri Elder, hear from the artists Fiona and Ken and the team involved, enjoy delicious catering and enjoy some music and the backdrop of the stunning Bug Rug. Bring any kids to come play on the newly created Nature Play area. Hope to see you there!
Aboriginal Sculpture Project Unveiling - The Bug Rug
Thursday 2nd June 5.30pm-7.30pm
Entry to the creek at 59 Sanders Ave, West Sunshine
Please stay home if you feel unwell.
The Bug Rug on Google Maps
Some info on the project:
Fiona Clarke Aboriginal Artist and Kenneth McKean will be creating a beautiful volcanic rock art installation at The Bug Rug.
In Fiona and Ken's words:
The installation will be based on using elements of the local Aboriginal seasons. The elemental signs of nature, specifically insects and animals: (Wumangurruditj - Wombat, Ilk - Eel, Common Brown Butterfly, Gurburra – Koalas, Poornet – tadpole/frog- Pied Currawong, goanna and Bulyong – Bats) that made First Nation people aware of the changing seasons or weather, climate changes were especially important. They were almost stories in themselves and things we all can observe in nature ourselves as each part of the year unfolds.
Some of these elemental signs will be etched or painted onto, (or into) stones that will be placed around a large circle.
The circle has more than one meaning in Aboriginal culture. In this case it represents firstly the annual cycle of the year. Other important meanings include as a symbol for a meeting place, a lake or body of water, as part of the running water symbol.
Of course, the circle is relatable to many cultures, so when it is completed it can be a place where children from schools can come and sit and learn of Aboriginal culture or just to talk. It can be used by community groups touring the Kororoit Creek. It has many uses but will honour the Original First Nations custodians past, present and future who took extremely good care of this land for 40 - 60k + years.
Many Aboriginal stories handed down over many thousands of years often included mention of stars. By a similar token Fiona and Ken will be creating artworks on the stones that will glow in the dark by drilling small holes around the images/symbols and then filling them with resin mixed with fluoro powder. This will make the images illuminate at night giving them a constellatory effect.
Thank you Fiona and Ken! You are amazing!
After consulting with the Elders at Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. and with the generous support of Melbourne Water, Brimbank City Council, Ford, The Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre, Bunnings Sunshine and the Metro Tunnel Project's Rail Projects Alliance - we are thrilled to unveil this beautiful project.