Gallery

ARTWORK DETAILS

Name: Elsa Baker	School:
Title: Going, Going, Gone!	Medium: Textile Sculpture
Description: Crotched 3D sculpture depicting a bleaching coral reef

ARTIST STATEMENT

This artwork comments on the detrimental effect of global warming and pollution on the coral reef, in particular coral bleaching. As the title suggests, we are ‘auctioning off’ parts of the reef in exchange for quick, cheap and easy, whether that be production or pollution. Living so close to the Great Barrier Reef has allowed me to see first-hand the significant loss of colour and life. The reef is rich in culture and the main source powering the tourism industry in North Queensland. These benefits will be lost if changes are not put into action before it is too late.

ARTWORK PROCESS

Each coral was crocheted in a variety of different stiches to create coral-like forms. Some corals are colourful and vibrant, others less so and others are white to depict bleached coral. Each individual piece was then stitched together to form a sculpture to give the impression of a coral reef.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Elsa Baker

I am a Year 11 student who has studied Art at Townsville Grammar School since 2012. I love tackling societal problems through my artwork, to provoke greater conversation on the topic imbedded within the piece. I have a deep love for acrylic and gouache paintings on canvas, often focusing predominately on these mediums to construct my work. However, discovering new and creative methods to complete tasks is a significant contributor to my love for art. Pursuing my passion further, I recently learned to work with textiles and self-acquired proficiency in crocheting.