Besides the design, which is often like putting together a complex puzzle; partly exciting, partly challenging, partly frustrating, is the knowledge that every idea you come up with, takes hard work, determination and a certain amount of improvisation and resourcefulness to see it to fruition.
Often, after designing and constructing a space, I rarely have an chance to observe it being used. Perpetually walking away from completed projects to commence new ones.
The creation of King Billy Retreat has been an opportunity for me to experience how people of all ages and abilities, engage with the garden and its’ surrounding landscape.
In particular, watching the Splinter group ‘making space’ for creativity, collaboration, enthusiasm, communication, and of course, to share wholesome food, was a genuine thrill for me and certainly my favourite thing about the day.
I have never had a group at King Billy Retreat, with the sole intention to respond to life and the environment, with art.
On the day, I spent quite a bit of time observing as people chose their places in the garden to work, or wandered through the surrounding bush-land writing poetry or taking photographs. I made a (smokey) fire to boil natural dyes and I made cups of tea (more to warm hands than quench thirsts).
I also started making a wire sculpture with some old reclaimed fencing wire from the property. It’s malleability, vintage rust and quirky traditional fencing knots give the piece an originality and character that is difficult to repeat.
The sculpture is still not finished but I hope to make some space in my life to do that soon and will share it with the group when it is.
Thanks to all the Splinter members who contributed to the success of this day.
King Billy would be proud to host another event in the future.
Words and photographs courtesy of Louise Pelle
Check out Craft Cubed 2015
