Connection

Connection  is is a large scale temporary lace installation made by Lindy de Wijn for Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre as part of Craft Lab + May 19 – July 29.  It forms part of a larger project, also titled Connections, that uses lace making to connect the community to and between key areas within the City of Darebin.

The piece was made using bobbin lace techniques on a larger scale.  A lace pillow was replaced with wood panels on the floor and cotton thread replaced with rope.   Over 2km of rope was used in the piece.  The most complex of the three panels used over 1000 nails to hold the piece in place while making.

The piece was inspired by the architectural features of the Homestead.

Artist Statement –
Titile of Work – Connection
This work weaves the rich history of Bundoora Homestead into the traditional craft of lace making.  It combines traditional techniques with contemporary practice. It connects internal to external spaces and invites the passerby to be curious, come closer and explore this rich artistic space during the current interactive exhibition Craft Lab+.  So come inside and explore.  Come connect with the space, each other and the art of making.

Panel 1 – Waves of Iron and glass
Dimension  120 x 250 cm
The forms of this panel are inspired from the waves and curves found in the stained glass windows of the Homestead crafted by Augustine Fischer as well as the iron work of the external balustrades.

Panel 2 – Soft Hearts and Iron
The central panel references the ornate heart features and curves seen on the iron balustrades externally and the pyrographic features of the internal stairs.  The heart also symbolises the rich history of the homestead.  The memories of those who passed through this space, the rich history of love, loss, loneliness and discovery and the many dreams and spirits that have woven the story of the Homestead so far.

Panel 3 – Rooftop flowers of S Milson of North Fitzroy
Dimension  120 x 250 cm
The pattern seen in this panel is inspired by the moulded plaster ceiling of Gallery 1.  The roof panels for the Homestead were crafted by S Milson of North Fitzroy.

This project was made possible through a  Darebin Arts – Arts Partnership.  It involved collaborations with Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre, Darebin Libraries and the Victorian Branch of the Australian Lace Guild.

Photographs by Lindy de Wijn and Andrew de Wijn