It's a
breezy warm day when I arrive at Marion Bay to spend time with some
of the artists connected with the Shadows program. For those heading
along to experience the Marion Bay Falls Festival, art may be the
last thing on their minds. But the impact of having art experiences
included and sculptures installed throughout the property should not
be underestimated.
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| Andy Vagg's Alumination |
It's
where you might bump into Abigail, Mae and Ashley from Team
Textiles or Tristan
Stowards and his inflatable birthday cake trampoline. It's all part
of the festival scene. But step outside The Village and something
else is happening.
Surrounding
the whole site are the environment sculptures of the Shadows group.
It's a loose collective of environmental artists, many of whom are
based in Northern Tasmania.
On this
day, before the crowds arrive, I am lucky enough to see the works at
their best. Without the distraction of tents, noise and people I can
hear the tinkling of Andy Vagg's aluminium can flowers, titled
Alumination.
They are installed in random arrangements on the top of the poles
that line the main walkway entrance to the festival. In the breeze
the shiny metal flowers flutter and create a high pitched tinkling.
Teetering
on top of tall poles positioned around The Village are Dan Kershaw's
beautiful slick black organic sculptures and on the hill opposite the
site is a collection of wood sculptures created by Martin Cole. With
a sense of belonging, they rest into the paddock while all around the
winds whip the yellowed grasses. There is a sense of peace and
tranquillity. Shared meals with the artists and production crew,
chats with healers and a stroll around the property. But it is
momentary. The thousands are about to arrive.
