Artistic talents to be embraced at ancient site
Posted on August 24th, 2021
Highly regarded as one of Australia’s most miraculous and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, the Capricorn Caves, north of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, is set to become a haven for aspiring artists, with thanks to Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Hosting an opportunity for both the local community and visitors to engage in arts and culture through professionally facilitated visual arts workshops, the Capricorn Caves inaugural Creative Retreat will be held over three nights (30th September – 3rd October), cultivating creativity while being inspired by the beauty of the above-ground limestone system, dry rainforest, flora and wildlife.
Three talented and unique artists, catering for all levels, will inspire and educate across a variety of disciplines, enabling participants to immerse themselves in their chosen imaginative and creative pursuit of design, interpretation, and discovery.
The fully catered retreat will include art materials, three-nights’ accommodation and a private group Cathedral Cave Tour for up to 30 people.
Participants can choose one of the three artists, who will guide throughout the duration of the retreat, and the end of the day will be a chance to come together and discuss accomplishments around the campfire.
Artist, Erin Dunne describes her practice as ‘interdisciplinary works on paper, reflecting on place and identity through an autobiographical lens.’
In this workshop, Erin will encourage participants to use drawing and artmaking to grow their understanding and appreciation of the environmental, cultural, and historical significance of the Capricorn Caves.
“During our time together immersed in the beauty and splendour of the iconic landscape, we will experiment with drawing techniques and creative processes to capture, interpret and visually communicate our own response to this unique and inspiring location,” Erin said.
Participants wishing to partake in the sculpture workshop with Noel Brady will be taken through a series of sculptural techniques/processes and then, after exploring the Caves’ immediate environment, be asked to respond creatively and experiment with the materials and tools provided, to produce 3D artworks.
From plaster, Hebel, wire, hessian, canvas, twine, acrylic paints and natural element assemblage, participants will have the opportunity to create a larger collaborative piece towards the end of the weekend.
Roxanne Oakley, a traditional Gangulu woman, will encourage participants to use painting as a healing tool and a way of reconnecting to country. Guiding with her First Nations knowledge and artistic talents through the process of block printing and stencilling on paper, Roxanne will show how to transform the designs into take home t-shirts.
Capricorn Caves General Manager, Jordan Wheeler is thrilled to see this event come to fruition and is grateful to local and state government for understanding the role of art as a central part of our local community.
“Any form of art at any level elicits powerful sentiment and shares meaningful stories,” Jordan said.
“The Capricorn Caves is already an artistic showpiece, boasting culture and language, so welcoming a curious and passionate group of participants at this retreat with bring it to life even more so.”
Call Capricorn Caves on 4934 2883 to secure your place.
