Hidden Cultures

By Teri Welles & Maggie Brockie

2005. Community mosaic.

Developed from items donated by members of the local community and items handmade by children and adults in workshops conducted by Maggie and Teri, this work represents many of the different cultures - be they ethnic, historical, family, personal, recreational or symbolic - that make Stanthorpe a diverse and vital place.

The design is a layered landscape. The lower layers represent the earth, environment, waterways and animals… the past. The middle layers represent industry and domestic cultures, family, farming, business and history, while the top layers incorporate multicultural and contemporary elements, youth, music, sport and recreation. The sky - both night and day - represents the passing of time, the dark and light, the balance of life. The big bright sun is made of little suns, our sons and daughters… the future.

All of the pieces made and collected were used, either whole or in part, making this truly a community mosaic.