Make feather flowers with Glenda Nicholls

Glenda Nicholls’s practice makes a direct link to her Elders and ancestors, ensuring the continuity of her family storyline. Glenda grew up watching her mother and grandmother crochet, knit and sew while continuing their traditional practices of feather craft and weaving. They guided her to utilise suitable plants and resources found locally and to always be conscious of her environmental footprint. Using the knots of her ancestors, Glenda hand weaves elaborate nets giving voice to the ongoing struggles of our sacred waterways.   

Join Glenda for an artist-led workshop that responds to her intricate work in the veil exhibition – The Reflection Net, adorned with feather flowers evoking clouds, birds and ancestral spirits. In this session, you are invited to make feather flowers like those featured in the work. In discussion with the veil curators Hannah Presley and Bella Hone-Saunders, Nicholls will share insights into her artistic practice and guide you through the process. Enjoy the conversation with the artist and other participants while you work on a small sculpture to take home on the day.   

Sewing materials will be supplied, with needles and scissors used during the session. The workshop is suitable for ages 12 and above (under-18-year-olds should be accompanied by an adult). No prior sewing knowledge is required to participate, and assistance will be available.   

Hosted in the gallery, the veil artists workshops offer an opportunity for deeper engagement with the ideas and creative practices behind our current exhibition. 

This is a free event, but booking is essential.
Tickets available from Monday 14 July, 8.30am.

Image: Glenda Nicholls. Photography by Hayley Millar Baker.