Coral: an Exploration
Coral: an Exploration is a new creative reflection on Coral through music and art. The exhibition was created by two visual artists: illustrator and collage artist Lisa Stewart and ceramicist Maria Shaw. The music was written by composer Ivy Hawker and performed by local musicians Stephanie Li, James Buchanan, Owen Bloomfield, Stephen Somerville, David Shaw and Ivy Hawker.
A White and Silent Death
Old printer Drawer, Porcelain and Glue
2024
270 x 425mm
All three creatives were inspired by an environment different to their own, living in Central West NSW, in that they do not regularly engage with coral reefs. Underwater landscapes required the high use of observational skills to capture the essence of that environment as properties such as gravity and movement operate differently to the way they do above water.
A Study of Texture
Old printer Drawer, Porcelain and Glue
2024
270 x 425mm
Maria travelled to Cairns and explored parts of the Great Barrier Reef. She was struck by the overwhelming number of textures within the reef. In her work she explores the variety and complexity of textures. Maria has deliberately maintained the crisp white of the porcelain as a nod to the ongoing bleaching and death of the coral due to climate change. During her trip she also visited the new Forever Reef Project at the Cairns aquarium, a pilot program to develop a ‘seed’ bank of coral, leaving Shaw with a sense of hope for the future of the reef.
Seascape
Old printer Drawer, Porcelain and Glue
2024
270 x 425mm
Coral in Landscape
Old printer Drawer, Porcelain and Glue
2024
270 x 425mm
Recording for Prosterity
Old printer Drawer, Porcelain and Glue
2024
270 x 425mm
Stewart’s illustrations and collages depict images of the seascapes she visited and explored within the Hawaiian coral reef. Stewart was taken by the colours she experienced and the inter-relationships between the coral and its inhabitants. She observed the gentle way the broad range of life within the coral interacted, and the calmness it transmits. During Stewart’s visit to Hawaii with her siblings they scattered their mother’s ashes in the sea. During her early life Stewart and her family lived in Hawaii and is where some of their mother’s happiest memories were. While literally putting someone to rest, she reflected on the peace that the reef brings.
Hawker plays with repeating ostinatos inspired by the repetition on water movements and waves. Combining guitar, marimba, keyboard, and strings she pares back her composition to allow the variety of textural sounds to reverberate within a somewhat minimalist soundscape. Her music evokes visions of different depths from being light amongst the wave to delving deeper into the mysterious waters. Throughout her pieces there is a sense of playfulness which captures audiences in an illustrative way.
To hear Ivy Hawker’s music click on the link below
We wish to particularly thank Orange Regional Arts Foundation (ORAF) for their support of this project.
The musicians performing Hawker’s compositions have been generously sponsored by ORAF, who are covering the cost of professional musicians – their rehearsal, recording and performance. Without this support Hawker would not have been able to freely compose but rather been restricted by the instrument types and skill level of those musicians willing to donate their time and expertise. ORAF is a vital organisation in supporting and developing the cultural scene within Orange by supporting creatives with Orange-based projects.
If you wish to find out more about Orange Regional Arts Foundation and how you can become a donor please visit the following web address - https://www.oraf.org.au/