The ancient art of weaving has been used as an Indigenous method to create food tools, baskets, fishing nets and skin cloaks for warmth for centuries.
Over the years, weaving has also been used for ceremonial purposes to produce items like traditional headgear.
But the art is not lost. In fact, it is very much alive and well, being practised throughout Australia in rural and city communities alike.
This weekend, the simplicity of woven works and the intricate Indigenous art of weaving will be the focus of an Indigenous music and culture festival, at .
Sydneysiders and budding culture vultures from around the country are expected to flock to the iconic destination to participate in a series of workshops led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander weaving experts.
People of all ages, cultures and ‘artistic abilities’ will learn how to create an en-vogue hanging basket; a woven animal; a traditional head, arm, leg or waist band; and more.
Participants will also learn about the stories behind weaving techniques, from those involving recycled products to the connection between the plant-based art form and environmental resource management.
Photo courtesy of judy_and_ed on Flickr Source: Flickr
WEAVING WITH THE GOMEROI - WORKSHOP WITH AUNTY DOLLY JEROME
Sat 21 & Sun 22 November
10.30am & 1.30pm
Suitable for All Ages
10.30am & 1.30pm
Suitable for All Ages
When you weave, you have an instant connection to country. In this workshop, participants will learn the basic techniques of weaving from Renowned Aboriginal weaver, Dolly Jerome. Dolly is based in the New England area of northern NSW.
For Dolly, weaving is a combination of art, culture and natural resource management, in this workshop she shows participants how to strip the plant or weed, process, gather, turn into string and ultimately create a traditional head, arm, leg or waist band.
Photo courtesy of swong95765 on Flickr Source: Flickr
WEAVING WITH WOOL AND ORGANICS - WORKSHOP WITH DEB WILLIAMS
Sat 21 & Sun 22 November
11.30 and 2.30pm
Suitable for All Ages
11.30 and 2.30pm
Suitable for All Ages
Originally from Nunga country, Deb Williams has exhibited canvas sand sculptural work in a number of group and solo exhibitions. Her recent work focuses on textile and traditional materials through weaving. Her history of working in the public service and policy sector have cemented a strong interest in social justice and working with young people.
In this workshop, adults and children can learn how to weave with reclaimed materials and grass fibres to make a wall hanging, basket, or animal that you can take home!
Photo courtesy of Laura Tabakman on Flickr Source: Flickr
BUNDJALUNG WEAVING THE GRASSES - WORKSHOP WITH KARLENE GREEN
Sat 21 & Sun 22 November
11am & 2pm
11am & 2pm
Suitable for All Ages
Karleen is one of NSW most respected weavers, having a 15 year history of delivering basket weaving workshops across schools, especially on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Karleen is a member of the Bundjalung nation and has worked extensively in Aboriginal Community groups, not for profit organisations and the corporate sector including PepsiCo Australia. Her position at Vibe Australia saw her working across a number of areas including the annual Deadly Awards, Deadly Sounds National Radio show and varying corporate events.
