24 January - 19 February
Gallery Opening hours - Tuesday to Saturday - 10am to 4pm
Propagate examines the everydayness, the labour and social relationships of gardens, through small objects and drawings relating to the body. Nellie & Sharon Peoples begin with an individual dialogue between landscapes and their practices as makers. These conversations evolve within their own work, as well as with one another. They exchange ideas as they would cuttings from their gardens. These conversations plant seeds of ideas into one another’s design thinking. In the work of gardens, seeds are gathered, root production is divided and encouraged, and cuttings are taken. There are as many complex processes that can be employed to increase the number of plants, as there are in these artists’ individual making practices.
Sharon and Nellie Peoples have a long tradition of making together, and being side by side. This strong connection within their mother daughter relationship began through experiential learning. Nellie watching and re-enacting, following Sharon’s hands and reacting to her observations. In this familial shared space there has been a practice of creativity, cultivating ideas and sparking curiosity.
At the core of a creative practice, and gardening is included, is to be immersed in concentrated activity. Learning to garden includes learning about space: watching and reacting to what is seen, how to move through and stimulate sensations. Through Propagate, Nellie and Sharon have shared with one another what they have observed in their gardens and in their studio spaces. They share their conversations and some highlights through their making. The garden space is a conduit for stories, memories and connectedness.
The Install Process
A seed is “an embryo plant, formed by the fertilisation of a flower. It will remain dormant until provided with suitable conditions of warmth, moisture and air.” (p489 The Gardening Year)
“Sowing in cold, ill-prepared soil is a waste of time and seed.” (p52 The Gardening Year)
“In every form of successful grafting the cambium layer of the stock must therefore be placed in direct contact with the cambium of the scion.” (p485 The Gardening Year)
The Propagate Exhibition
Thanks to Griffith University, Queensland College of Art.
Jeanette Brand @ detail2
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