Gaanha-Bula dreaming

Artist: Spring Hill Public School

During Science and Technology, the students in years 4,5 and 6 investigated the impact of textile waste on the environment. We discovered that 92 million tonnes of clothing are dumped into landfills each year around the world and that only 20% of textiles are recycled! We were excited to participate in this year’s Waste 2 Art, Year of Textiles and Fast Fashion to demonstrate how old t-shirts, skirts and sheets can be recycled to create a unique artwork. All our students brought in damaged or discarded clothing from home to use in the year’s art project. Art can be an incredible and creative way to communicate scientific knowledge and ideas. It is a way to provoke thoughts and opinions about important issues like textiles in landfill. We collaborated with Wiradjuri, Environmental artist Ronda Sharp to create a cooperative artwork based on the Aboriginal Dreaming story of Gaanha-bula (Mount Canobolas) as we are on Wiradjuri land and have many First Nations students. We used recycled textiles to create a woven landscape of Gaanha-bula and the connection between the three rivers: The Wambool (Macquarie River); the Kalari (Lachlan River); and the Murrumbidjeri (Murrumbidgee River). Gaanha-bula is still a spiritual and significant place today for the Wiradjuri people. We need to preserve, protect and respect this special place. It stands 1395 metres above sea level and as you draw closer to Orange, it is the landmark that symbolises you are nearly home.

Region: Orange

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