Heartfelt nod to nautical history

By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on August 14, 2020

BURSTS of colour are scattered around the Albany Entertainment Centre thanks to a new exhibition by Felters in the Great Southern (FIGS).

FIGS’ latest showcase, Vessel Voyages will be on display through August and features the work of six crafters.

Curator Lynley Campbell said it was exciting to be involved in another project.

“We’re augmenting maritime history here,” she said.

“And in this beautiful building overlooking the harbour, where boats and other vessels are, we think it’s a nice springboard to showcase our work.”

Artist Viv Matts was inspired by ancient Mediterranean household vessels for her creations.

“They would be used for storing food as well as in festivals and rituals,” she said.

“And they were often elaborately decorated in various colours.”

Anne Cochrane brought her passion for nature into her felt display.

“I usually make seed pods, which are a type of vessel,” she said.

“I’ve used a lot of the rustic colours of nature except one pop of colour.”

Joining Matts and Cochrane in the exhibition are Di Baker, Maggie Myers, Nadja Roelofs, Penny Roberts and Liz Turnbull.

Vessel Voyages is part of a new initiative the AEC is undertaking with the visual arts community.

Each month different artists are given the opportunity to utilise the space and present their works to the community.

Other visual artists who are interested in presenting at the AEC are encouraged to contact Mand Markey by emailing [email protected]