My Neighbour’s Garden: a celebration of sustainable living

My Neighbour’s Garden is an exhibition that explores what it is to live sustainably and how to cultivate a community through creative pursuits.

My Neighbour’s Garden, on show now until mid-September at Maroondah Access Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate, is a collaboration of works by members of the Maroondah Arts Collective, Zetta Kanta and Marlize Myburgh.  Myburgh is also a Wyreena arts tutor and ceramicist.

Stunning large textiles made from felted wool, silk and bamboo are displayed alongside hanging gardens of dried flowers and beautiful organic ceramic forms, emphasising the connection between our own backyard and the local community.

A priority for this creative pair is the use of natural fibres and sourcing of local organic materials. Zetta Kanta demonstrates this priority by using wool from the Tintern Grammar sheep which she colours using natural dyes such as turmeric.

Through using natural fibres, artist Kanta reveals the significance of connection to community. Kanta says her work is “raw and totally natural. I hope to show honesty and the wildness of our surroundings in my work”.

“If we take a closer look at the culture of Indigenous of people across the world, it is common to see soft animal skins, felts and handmade drawings used as decoration. Their daily environment is closer to nature and therefore more respectful to it. Wool as a material is also fire resistant, eco-renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic and a natural insulator.”

Award-wining artist Marlize creates ceramic pieces that have been primarily influenced by the natural world, taking both functional and decorative form. Every piece is individually shaped, then repeatedly glazed and fired.

Both artists have exhibited widely, with Kanta’s works having also featured in exhibitions in the USA, Germany and Asia.

Kanta’s work in this exhibition was been supported by a Maroondah City Council 2017/18 Arts and Cultural Grant.

Exhibition details:

My Neighbour’s Garden will be officially opened by the Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Nora Lamont, at 5.30pm on Friday August 10.

When: Thursday 26 July to Friday 14 September Where: Maroondah Access Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.