Fraser Coast Scene - January & February 2023

PAINTER, AUTHOR, THOUGHT-PROVOKER

ARTIST PROFILE: SHAWN WONDUNNA-FOLEY

It’s about finding something you’re passionate about and that resonates with you in a particular way”

COVER IMAGE:

Paul Perry, Elizabeth Park Rose Garden Mosaic 2022. This beautiful mosaic celebrates the historic Maryborough Park. Photo: Jessica Cook.

STAY INSPIRED!

This guide shares a taste of Council’s arts, culture and heritage program and was correct at time of printing. To keep up to date with the latest information visit our website. We welcome contributions from our creative community. For more information email ArtsCulture@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Story: Christina Ongley | Photo: Cody Fox

– Shawn Wondunna-Foley

If there’s something Shawn WondunnaFoley could never be accused of, it would be staying still.

Born in Maryborough to an Irish-Australian father and Butchulla mother, the 57-yearold has moved through a variety of locations and jobs, growing up in Hervey Bay, Mt Isa and Sydney and working in maritime electronics, technical design and cultural heritage in Hobart, Melbourne and K’gari.

That diversity of experience bleeds into his outlook and art, whether it takes the form of painting, drawing, sculpture or writing.

“Art is one of those things – it’s part of your DNA,” says Shawn, who has called the Fraser Coast home again since the mid1980s.

His painting traverses a broad range of media and styles, from classic First Nations through to more abstract conceptual landscapes, but tends towards the traditional.

Right now, what resonates most with him is his writing. In the past five years, Shawn has written several books of quotes – called

simply One, Two and Three, also featuring his own photography and artwork – as well as two spiritually focused books called Awaken and Infinite Existence.

“After my dad passed away, I had a bit of a spiritual epiphany and realised I needed to do some things a little differently,” Shawn says.

“Part of being mindful is having a different operating system; moving from head to heart, being intuitively guided, whether in art or life. I’m more drawn to writing right now because it moves me into a different creative landscape.”

Mindful he may be, but that mind of his is always busy with something, whether it’s his latest art project or his current foray into studying Social Enterprise.

“I do have a lot of things on the go, but it all balances out,” he says.

“I see myself a bit like the roots of a tree, constantly searching for nourishment. That nourishment gives life to the tree, just like my art does for me.”

Fraser Coast Scene is distributed free as a marketing and engagement initiative of Fraser Coast Regional Council. It’s about promoting Council’s programs and services by sharing stories of our arts and cultural community and their connection to Council’s spaces.

Contents are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission.

Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges to the east, the Butchulla (Badtjala) and to the west, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People, their connection to Country (land, sea and sky) and recognises the many places of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance in the community. We pay respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge other First Nation Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islander people, who reside in the Fraser Coast region.

WHAT’S ON | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2023

5 Walker Street, Maryborough 4122 6060

Box Office Open Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 4pm

Macabre | The Little Mermaid

Fri 20 Jan | 7PM

Sat 21 Jan | 1PM

Following their successful 2022 season of Grease, Macabre’s Summer Program returns with a Disney classic.

The Crucible - NT Live

Mon 6 Mar | 1PM

Thu 9 Mar | 7PM

A witch hunt is beginning in Salem - Arthur Miller’s gripping parable of power and its abuse.

Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee LIVE!!

Wed 8 Mar | 7.30 PM

This moving and inspirational theatre experience combines humour, real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell Do’s amazing story.

Rebel Rebel The Bowie Anthology

Fri 10 Mar | 7.30PM

This live rock performance set in a rockumentary format tells the story of David Bowie’s life and music.

Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight - We’re Going to Graceland

Sun 12 Mar | 7.30 PM

Two legends of Aussie music present the songs of one of the world’s greatest living songwriters Paul Simon.

Cirque Mother Africa

Fri 17 Mar | 7.30 PM

The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jawdropping show. Combining the best of contortion, acrobatics, dance, hand balancing and so much more.

166 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay 4197 4206

FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday to Friday: 10am - 4pm Weekends: 10am - 2pm. Closed Mondays.

EXHIBITION: UNTIL SUN 26 FEB

WORKSHOPS, TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Better Together: Artist Collectives

Sat 18 Feb | 9.30 AM

Fiona Foley: Veiled Paradise

Paradise

Veiled Paradise surveys three decades of leading contemporary Badtjala artist Dr. Fiona Foley’s practice.

EXHIBITION: UNTIL SUN 1 OCT

Fiona Foley: Janjari

This major new work marks the first acquisitive commission by HBRG since reopening in 2022. Filmed entirely on K’gari, a flowing narrative guides the viewer from west to east of the world’s largest sand island.

Image (Top): Fiona Foley, The Magna Carta Tree #2 (detail) 2021. Inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer. Photo: Mick Richards. Image (Bottom): Fiona Foley, Janjari 2022 video still, courtesy of the artist.

Hear about the different ways artist collectives provide support and opportunities to both their members and the broader community. Highlights include artist Dr. Fiona Foley discussing her formative experiences co-founding Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative in the 1980s.

Wednesdays, 1 Feb - 22

Mar | 4PM - 5PM

HBRG is proud to launch a weekly after school art class for students in grades 2-5. Led by art teacher Shelly Seashells, your young creatives will explore a range of visual art mediums and delve into the ideas and stories of artworks on show at HBRG. Term pass: $135.