Art gifts for humanity
I was employed as Lead Artist for the City of Ballarat’s celebration of Cultural Diversity Week in 2016. Late 2015 I devised a project called Ex VoTos: Art Gifts for Humanity. Ex VoTos are to be votive offerings made for people at risk in our local and global communities. Ex VoTos take the form of recycled CD’s decorated with weaving, recycled laminated paper woven into rectangles/squares/diamonds and larger weaving into the centre of hula-hoops. This project commenced during the school holidays in January when I facilitated 4 art workshops for children at various schools in Ballarat with the help of some volunteers. Kids made about 100 Woven CDs and 100 Paper Weavings to contribute to the project. During January adults from Pinarc’s Recreation Program and ILS Unit created Paper Weavings and CD Weavings for this project.
The Woven CDs, Paper Weavings and Hula Hoops Weavings were used to create a large installation at the Backspace Gallery in March. The project culminated in the Harmony Festival where I provided more workshops to the general public and showcased the final art installation to approximately 4000 people. The Welcome Mat was also exhibited at the Backspace Gallery at this time, which is another community artwork where I have had the opportunity to be Lead Artist.
Participants making artworks for Ex Voto’s in workshops held through the YMCA School Holiday Program in January 2015.
Paper Weavings made for Ex Voto’s in workshops held through the YMCA School Holiday Program in January 2015.
Woven CD’s made for Ex Voto’s in workshops held through the YMCA School Holiday Program in January 2015.
Jodie Goldring in amongst the final installation of Ex Voto’s that adorned the verandah of the Backspace Gallery in March 2016.
The final installation of Ex Voto’s that adorned the verandah of the Backspace Gallery in March 2016.
The community of Ballart making artworks for Ex Voto’s at the Harmony Festival on Sunday March 20 at Alfred Deakin Place.
Jodie Goldring 