06 October 2013

Dandry Gorge, N.S.W. - Sculptures in the (Pilliga) Scrub - Part One





Hunting Sticks by sculptor Col Henry.  A collaboration he says, between himself, an elder, and a young Aboriginal.  Using 316 marine gauge stainless steel, three millimetres thick, filled with concrete.

Scrub Spirits also by Col Henry, about 3.5 metres tall.


By Brett Garling, named First Lesson

Initial stages of this bronze cast sculpture involved the community at Baradine, N.S.W.

Information board reads in part: "the site was a sacred Aboriginal site, but what particularly took my interest was that it was used as an Aboriginal hunting ground and camp site.  I came up with the idea of a father teaching his son about the gorge and its uses as far as hunting.  I came up with the idea of the young child sitting on his father's shoulders and him sitting on top of the gorge pointing down into it".

(side-stepping for a moment) ....White-throated Treecreeper

Yuundu Yuundu by Ken Hutchinson

Display boards like this shared the story from the sculptor during the creative process

Information board reads: "Yuundu is a Gamilaroi word for 'axe' and the work represents Aboriginal stone-axe technology and European axe technology. We went to the site at Dandry Gorge and there were a hell of a lot of axe grinding marks, and that spoke very strongly to me of the technology of stone axe making, and it was just apparent it was right up my alley, I thought right, 'A stone axe, I'm a stone worker' ...." 

and continues "I've been swinging off a 9 inch angle grinder for two weeks.  This is a marathon and I've bitten off a hell of a lot to get these two works done, but I'm going to have a good rest after the project, that's for sure.




14 comments:

Irma said...

Beautiful pictures of this beautiful bronze sculptures, Carole.
Photo 5 is truly beautiful.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Carole What a wonderful idea to have these great sculptures in the bush and I think 'The Lesson' is fantastic.

Joop Zand said...

Thats a very nice place Carole....your photo's says enough.

Greetings, Joop

Phil Slade said...

Hi Carole. It would be wonderful to have that place all to myself and drink in the atmosphere and the history of the place while enjoying those sculptures. Looks a good place for birding too - I bet the aborigines knew a special location when they found it.

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

The stairs, sculptures and stones are gorgeous ! Amazing !
Have a nice Sunday, Carol.
Best regards, Synnöve

Stewart M said...

Nice set of pictures.

There was a sculpture in Melb (it may still be there!) that had 100s of tall plastic poles - almost like a bamboo grove - that would sway about in the wind, or be rattled by passing kids (and me!). It made a fantastic noise. The poles made me think of it.


Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne.

Brian King said...

The stone path is wonderful! No doubt that took a lot of labor. Beautiful sculptures and country!

TexWisGirl said...

really neat artwork!

Montanagirl said...

Very interesting! I really like that "First Lesson" sculpture.

eileeninmd said...

Carole, the sculptures are wonderful. I was not expecting to see them at this site. Love the treecreeper. Great post and photos, have a happy week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I love outdoor art. And seeing birds is always a wonderful bonus. Your sculpture park is wonderful both from an artistic standpoint and for teaching the amazing history.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Intriguing..such lovely work!

Bob Bushell said...

Outdoor sculpture is superb, and you have photographed them.

Jan Castle said...

Really like those stone steps and the father and son...TFS Carole!
Paper Hugs,
Jan