A week into the Ballarat residency, the rafoogars are making swift progress, and I (Wendy) am finally taking off my admistrative hat to focus on sewing. I must work fast to catch up.
We have two separate projects underway, each linking Indian tradition with a local Australian icon. It was in Ballarat that the Eureka Flag was first flown in 1854. Made famous by its role in the battle at the Eureka Stockade, it has since been flown in support of many and varied causes. The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is home to the original flag, which has provided inspiration for both projects.
Zakir is using his darning skills to restore a storm-damaged Eureka flag removed from above the local Trades Hall. Given that it is so badly shredded that nearly half of it is missing, returning it to its original state will be a remarkable feat, and quite fascinating to watch.
Meanwhile, Intekhab and I are collaborating on a double sided piece using a traditional Indian shawl format. We will each create a face layer, and these will be joined back-to-back to complete the shawl. Intekhab is drawing his imagery from the Eureka Flag.
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