Townsville City Council is proud to present Strand Ephemera 5.
From 4 – 14 September 2009 the Strand will be transformed into an outdoor gallery, showcasing sculptures and installations by 22 artists from around
Many thanks for the generous support of the following partners and sponsors:
First held in 2001, Strand Ephemera is a biennial festival of arts. In addition to the exhibition, there are guided tours, talks presented by the participating artists and a series of drop-in workshops for the whole community to enjoy.
Townsville City Council is grateful for the support of local businesses and volunteers who are committed to ensuring the success of this event. provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with contemporary art, enriching our lives in the process. I encourage you to Strand Ephemera on your “must do” list.
Councillor Les Tyrell OAM
MAYOR Townsville
Major Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Held first in 2001 and then biennially, Strand Ephemera is in its 5th incarnation. Strand Ephemera was initiated by Townsville’s Regional Gallery to explore public art in a contained context. Strand Ephemera presents possibilities of public art for selection for “permanent” works, ensures an audience for contemporary practice by presenting the exhibition in a magnificent outdoor environment, and engages the visiting public.
At the time it began, and as a driving rationale, Strand Ephemera provided an opportunity for north Queensland practitioners. Strand Ephemera gave artists a reason to experiment in moving from a studio based practice to a public art focus, and ultimately to prepare them to compete for lucrative art commissions being offered under the State Government’s Art Built-in Program. This objective was achieved with a number of artists moving into the public art arena.
“Ephemera” was and is the creative element to be interpreted by artists in any possible way. It can simply refer to the short life span of the exhibition, or as an encouragement to be innovative in the use of materials - accessible, organic, or as some artists interpret the brief, to produce work that disintegrates over the period of the exhibition.
A major sculpture exhibition could easily become a juggernaut that is rolled out each time. To maintain interest, particularly of the artists and artsworkers involved, and to develop the exhibition, it has been necessary to investigate different elements each year. In 2007 Australia Council funding was accessed to introduce the work of selected practitioners, presented in containers. Where we had been increasingly tending to select individual works to please the general public, to restore a balance within the exhibition it became important to present focussed contemporary practice. The security provided by lockable containers gave greater scope. 2007 was also the biggest year, with 49 works.
As the preceding event informs the next, in 2009, this year, a guest curator, Head of Sculpture at a Melbourne University, was asked to select the works from the applications received. There had already been a discussion about reducing the number of works, and the implementation of a rigorous selection process resulted in this. With fewer works, a focus could be given to the public program.
This year will also mark a fresh approach to the public program, presenting more structured opportunities for the general public to participate in workshops held on the Strand. To continue to develop a national profile, Strand Ephemera 5 is held in conjunction with the Fourth National Public Galleries Summit, a three day conference attracting delegates from across Australia and New Zealand.
The exhibition also develops from feedback received from the participators and visitors. Your comments are welcomed. These can be left on the back of the Walters IGA People’s Choice Award, or sent directly to our email: ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au
The Gallery team works tirelessly to present this exhibition and I acknowledge all team members for their extraordinary contributions, in particular Curator Amber Church.
Strand Ephemera is a living exhibition.
Toogoolawah / Queensland
Poole is atttracted to the seen and unseen aspects of our ancient Australian landscape. The unseen encompasses the still strong spiritual presence of indigenous people.
Each day of the exhibition this work will appear somewhere different along the Strand.
(Tree Museum)
Hilux truck, aluminum frame, steel tray and approximately 4,000 clear PVC carved leaves suspended from wire mesh.
170 h x 185 w x 480 l cm with truck
The ethereal quality of clear vinyl evokes dreams and memories of a lost environment. This work has been inspired by the prophetic lyrics of Joni Mitchell.
Tinaroo / Queensland
Born on the Atherton Tablelands Feher completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours at James Cook University Townsville.
The Cray 2005-09 copper & galvanised steel 750 x 350 x 110 cm
$ 39,600
I used a live specimen which I captured from Lake Tinaroo as a model for this work. I hope that those who view The Cray can enjoy the form and character of the creature as well as the appropriate natural patina the copper has assumed.
Big Yellow Taxi 2009 Elizabeth PooleTony Cuthbertson
Townsville /Queensland
Tony Cuthbertson currently resides on Magnetic Island and in 2006 completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University Townsville.
Bottiger’s Hut 2009
Timber, natural fibres, polystyrene foam, plastic board and fibreglass sheeting, 3/4 life-size
Mr Otto Bottiger, a retired bank manager, built a one-roomed cottage on a sand dune at the north-eastern end of Nelly Bay beach on Magnetic Island, in about 1920. In recreating a three-quarter replica my aim is to evoke a sense of nostalgia, as well as to pose questions about what we collectively seek, what we collectively achieve and what we collectively lose.
Tijn Meulendijks
Kuranda /Queensland
Tijn Meulendijks is a Dutch born installation artist currently based in Cairns. After completing his masters training in floral art in the Netherlands, Tijn moved to Australia and established himself as a contemporary foral-designer.
Untitled 2009 plant material,vines
180 h x 80 w x 60/70 d cm
The cocoon, the wrapping form, is a form that‘s coming back to me all the time. As an artist working mainly with vegetation it has a lot of meaning for me - thinking of germination, growing, flowering, wilting and decaying.
Jan Hynes
Townsville /Queensland
Jan Hynes has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (painting) from Queensland College of Art and completed a Masters of Creative Arts from James Cook University.
Pink Piano 2009 painted piano, cards life-size
$ 1000
I see Pink Piano as an interactive artwork that will appeal to all ages and entice people to linger, participate and enjoy the combination of music, art and nature on the Strand.
Townsville /Queensland
By making metaphors visible, Miles focuses on local and regional issues developed through sensitivity to insights of place and the effects of ecological intervention on the wider social and environmental realm.
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The threatened species? The practice of shark finning is killing sharks every year at an increasing rate. This increased catching of sharks is a concern with many species considered to be endangered.
Pam Lane
Ingham /Queensland
Lane‘s original training in graphic design often features in her work. 3D assemblage however holds the strongest appeal. Lane continues to explore different mediums, primarily clay.
This work is scattered along the beach between Landsborough and Stuart Street Headlands. Participants are invited to collect and complete the drift cards before returning to the Strand Ephemera Information Desk for this data to be recorded.
Drift Capsules 2009
mixed medium
Each capsule is approx 15 cm long by 5 cm in diameter
In contrast to the traditional release of drift cards to track ocean currents, these symbolic capsules prompt the audience to consider discarded inland refuse travelling over land to reach the waterways.
Townsville / Queensland
Pierce is a Townsville born artist who lived in the UK for several years. After studying art, she travelled to Britain again on an Australia Council grant. This research continues to inform her current practice.
2009
Mixed media - recycled timber/furniture, household linen (some recycled), perspex (1) calico, thread, acrylic paint, tent pegs (1 + 2) 106 x 166 x 166 cm (1) varying widths and lengths (2)
Early local quarantine history includes details of facility relocation with recycling of timbers. Accomodation, furniture and linen were supplied according to a person’s “class” (1). Quarantine is now a scattered process (2).
Matthew Staples
Sydney / New South Wales
Studied sculpture in the UK and quietly makes sculpture in Sydney.
Observer of the Moon 2009 mild steel, welded together, iron oxide finish.
290 h x 80 w x 130 d cm
$ 6000
The ocean, its surrounds and its inhabitants, are governed by the moon. As observers we can just gaze in wonder.
Vic McEwan & Sarah Moor
Sydney / New South Wales
Both Vic and Sarah run The Cad Factory, a Sydney performance and exhibition space. They are multi-instumentalists playing in various groups and creators of site-specific installation and visual/sound art.
Listen. Now Walk 2009 sounds of the Strand
Your fingers have their own memory, it’s called finger memory. Every bit of everything has various histories. Various histories with many cracks, ready to explore.
This work is an audio walk which takes listeners on a journey along the Strand. To participate download the MP3 file from www.cadfactory.com.au or ask about how to hire a MP3 player with the recording from the Strand Ephemera Information Desk at the Burke St Headland.
Alan Valentine
Townsville / Queensland
Previously acquired practical skills, coupled with design and conceptual abilities developed whilst studying art at Townsville TAFE and James Cook University, has allowed Valentine the freedom and joy to design and create.
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Fishing Trawlers 2009 timber, copper and brass various sizes
NFS
Fatih Semiz
Brighton / Victoria
Fatih completed a degree in Fine Art at Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul. He works with various materials such as stone, wood and metals. Fatih has completed several public commissions and has exhibited in Australia, Turkey and Sweden.
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Ab aeterno 2009
155 x 200 x 90 cm. exterior plywood, Tasmanian Oak veneer and paint $ 13,000
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Jenny Fraser
Darwin / Northern Territory
Jenny Fraser was born in Mareeba, Far North Queensland. Her people originally hailed from Yugambeh Country in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Jenny has completed a Masters of Indigenous Wellbeing at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW.
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Dark Day at Sea 2004
video installation
7 minutes
$ 715
Geoff Harvey
Sydney / New South Wales
Lives and works in Sydney. Geoff Harvey has a Masters Degree in Fine Art and has been included in numerous group exhibitions in Australia, England and USA.
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Pierre the French Bulldog 2009, Buster 2006, Rover 2006 Steel
115 x 82 cm, 106 x 106 cm, 90 x 130 cm
$ 4,400 each
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E
Rock Pool
Amanda Feher page 7
Jan Hynes page 10
Matthew Staples page 14
11 A lan Valentine page 16
Tijn Meulendijks page 9
Pam Lane page 12 7
Howlitt Street McKinley Street Landsborough Street
lizabeth Poole page 6
Each day of the exhibition this work will appear somewhere different along the Strand. See artist page
Tony Cuthbertson page 8
Candace Miles page 11
Kalven Lloyd page 33 22
17 Jo Cruickshanks page 28
Marion Gaemers page 31 20
Tobruk Pool
Vic McEwan & Sarah Moor page 15
This work is an audio walk which takes listeners on a journey along the Strand. See artist page
12 Fatih Semiz page 17
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Jill Chism page 27
Oxley Street
Strand Park
Alison McDonald page 26 15
Kennedy Street Gregory Street
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19
Fryer Street
Olympic Circle
B arbara Pierce page 13
10 13
Geoff Harvey page 19
Jenny Fraser page 18
i Strand Ephemera Information Desk Picnic Bay Lifesaving Club
Tegan Ollett page 29
This work is a live performance – see event program on page 24 for performance times.
21 Denise Vanderlugt page 32
Joanna Anglesey page 30
Main Exhibition Tour
Date/Time Saturday 5 Sept, 10am – 12pm
Location: Meet at the Strand Rockpool
Be among the first to visit Strand Ephemera 5 and hear first-hand from the exhibiting artists about their work.
Public Art Symposium
Date/Time: Saturday 5 Sept, 1pm – 3pm
Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Join artists on the Strand to create your own artworks. Daily drop-in workshops scheduled in the mornings and afternoons throughout the exhibition including: Bird Boat Weaving, Plastic Fantastic Jellyfish, Wire Critter Sculpting and Sculpting in Nature.
The most popular artwork, as judged by Strand Ephemera visitors, will be presented with the Walters IGA People‘s Choice Award Entry forms available from: Strand Ephemera Information Desk (Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club), Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Pinnacles Gallery or any of the Walters‘ IGA stores in Townsville.
Exploring contemporary public art practice, listen to guest speakers involved with Melbourne Laneways Commissions, Noosa
Floating Land and Art + Place, Queensland State Government Public Art Program.
Live Performances
Date/Time: Saturday 5 Sept @ 11:30am, Sunday 6, Monday 7, Friday 11 Sept @ 6:00pm, Wednesday 9 Sept @ 5:30pm Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 Sept @ 5:00pm
Location: Strand Amphitheatre at Gregory Street
Enjoy live performances by artist, Tegan Ollett – see page 29
For more details about times and locations ask at the Strand Ephemera Information Desk or visit the website: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/recreation/ gallery/perctucker/strand_ephemera
After 5 Access
Date/Time Tuesday 8 Sept, 6pm – 7pm
Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Enjoy a night at the Gallery as part of PTRG’s monthly After 5 Access series, with a talk by Strand Ephemera 5 artist, Jill Chism on the Water’s Edge project
Guided Art Tours
Ferry Education Program
Taking place from Monday 7 – Monday 14 September is a comprehensive program of school workshops and tours along the Strand. This is accompanied by a children’s activity booklet and teachers resource kit. For more information ask at the Strand Ephemera Information Desk or contact the Gallery.
Artists Talks
Date/Time: Sunday 13 Sept, 11am – 12pm
Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Listen to a selection of exhibiting artists including Joanna Anglesey, Marion Gaemers and Elizabeth Poole talk about their practice.
Date/Time: Sunday 6, Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Thursday 10, Friday 11 Sept @ 5:30pm Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 @ 4:30pm
Location: Depart from Strand Ephemera
Information Desk at Burke St Headland
Take a guided walk along the Strand to hear more about the artworks on display.
Strand Ephemera Information Desk located near Picnic Bay Surf
Lifesaving Club (the Strand)
Open 9am – 6pm daily throughout the exhibition
Townsville / Queensland
Since completing her Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours at James Cook University, McDonald has worked continuously to integrate her passions of recycling into her sculptures, exhibiting regularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
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The Bather 2004-09
brazed cup hooks
136 x 68 x 58 cm
$ 5,900
Jill Chism
Jill Chism exhibits nationally as a prolific North Queensland artist. Working with diverse materials her work spans environmental art, installation, sculpture, digital art and public art.
Smother Shed 2009
plastic flotsam and Jetsam installation covers three tree trunks
The work is an ironical comment on plastic’s original attractiveness and its current malign ugliness as it forms into the millions of tonnes of rubbish floating in earth’s oceans and smothering nature’s eco-systems. 27
Jo Cruickshanks
Brisbane / Queensland
Jo Cruickshanks, from Northern England, has spent the last 20 years living on the West and East coasts of Australia as a sculptor, artsworker and educator.
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Safe Guard 2009
orange plastic‚ Barrier Guardfencing material & plastic cable ties 100 x 200 cm
Tegan Ollett
Tegan began her dance training in Townsville at the Anne Roberts School of Dancing and Extensions Youth Dance Company. In 2003 she was awarded the Royal Academy of Dancing North Queensland Bursary and graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in 2007.
This work is a live performance – see event program on page 24 for performance times
B‘I‚NDING 2009 chairs, vinyl floor mat, television, DVD player, floor light x 3, extension leads, rope. 300 cm wide
We have the opportunity to confront negativity in our lives. We sit and stare it in the face, allowing it to move us in a direction we may not wish to go. We allow it to bind us, to manipulate us and to hinder our progression as individuals. There is a moment when we are presented with a choice to continue this cycle or let it go; to move freely without the ropes of negative thought and feeling.
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Joanna Anglesey
West Launceston / Tasmania
Joanna Anglesey is a practising artist based in Tasmania whose primary focus has been expressing through ephemeral installation issues surrounding British colonization of Australia. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Tasmania.
Overlayunderlayoverlay 2009 black paint and white flour
10 x 750 x 750 cm
This work is an exploration of cultural similarities and differences within the boundaries of Australian landscape.
Marion Gaemers
Townsville /Queensland
In my work I am interested in the relationships of humans and other animals with their environment. I like ephemeral work and the fact that it won‘t last but will be returned to the environment.
Journeys 2009 cane, paper, plant material, fabric & string 240 h x 360 l - 170 w cm x 3 $ 1500
Life is full of Journeys - both physical and spiritual.
Denise Vanderlugt
Proserpine / Queensland 21
Denise‘s creative practice since 1982 in the Whitsundays includes quiltmaking, basketry, printmaking, artists books and collage. She published her first book Where Rainbows Live in 2007.
The rainbow jellyfish 2009 recycled plastics and fabric bodies 10 to 15 cm high, 10 to 25 cm wide, with tentacles to 75 cm in length $ 35 each
The process of creating an object and sharing that process either visually or physicaly gives to people great joy.
Kalven Lloyd
Townsville / Queensland
Kalven completed his studies at James Cook University in 2007 and has exhibited in a number of group exhibitions in Townsville.
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Tropical Snow 2009 mixed media 10 h x 200 w x 1500 w cm
A search is on for the best photograph of Strand Ephemera 5. Photographs can be taken in any film format and can be colour or black and white. Digital photographs must be able to be supplied as high resolution Jpeg, Tiff or EPS file.
For further conditions of entry please refer to the SE Photographic Competition Entry Form which can be obtained from the Strand Ephemera Information Desk at the Burke St Headland on the Strand, the Gallery or by visiting: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/recreation/gallery/perctucker/strand_ephemera
proudly supporting the 2009 strand ephemera
ferryproperty.com.au
Twelve Degrees of Latitude: Regional Gallery and University
Art Collections in Queensland
Email: pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 1268 Townsville QLD 4810
Web: http://riverway.townsville.qld.gov.au/
Thank you to the artists involved in Strand Ephemera 5 and to the dedicated volunteers who assisted with all aspects of the exhibition and public program. Within Council, special thanks to all at the Strand Office, the Strand Crew and all at Parks.
Frances Thomson Director
Amber Church Curator
Marg Naylor Marketing & Media
Anthony Edwards Supervisor, Pinnacles
Eric Nash Project Officer
Leah McManus Installation, Pinnacles
Hannah Murray Education
Jo Lankester Exhibitions/Collection
Jo Terry Administration
Tamika Wickham Administration, Pinnacles
Gill Ribbins Administration, Pinnacles
Wendy Bainbridge Gallery Officer Weekends
Matt Clark Gallery Trainee
Kath Bailey Artabout
Anglesey, Joanna / page 30
Chism, Jill / page 27
Cruickshanks, Jo / page 28
Cuthbertson, Tony / page 8
Feher, Amanda / page 7
Fraser, Jenny / page 18
Gaemers, Marion / page 31
Harvey, Geoff / page 19
Hynes, Jan / page 10
Lane, Pam / page 12
Lloyd, Kalven / page 33
15 McDonald, Alison / page 26
McEwan, Vic & / page 15
Moor, Sarah
Meulendijks, Tijn / page 9
Miles, Candace / page 11
Ollett, Tegan / page 29
Pierce, Barbara / page 13
Poole, Elisabeth / page 6
Semiz, Fatih / page 17
Staples, Matthew / page 14
Valentine, Alan / page 16
Vanderlugt, Denise / page 32