Here and Now: Gold Coast Triennial 2024 Digital Gallery
Carolyn Johnston
b.1960 Melbourne VIC, lives Gold Coast QLD
Tranquility Trashed, an illustrative exploration of anthropogenic debris and its ecological consequences on Gold Coast wetland environments , 2024
glazed ceramic, wood, plastic, found objects
Image courtesy of the artist
Artist Statement
Inspired by experiences paddling Gold Coast wetlands, the sculpture is an illustrative exploration of anthropogenic debris and its ecological consequences.
Each glaze mirrors the vivid mangrove landscapes, whilst the ceramic medium represents the fragility of its ecosystem. The trash embedded into the work was collected from these wetlands and symbolises the detrimental effects of human waste. The piece aims to address the importance of environmental stewardship and the pressing need for conservation action.
About the Artist
Having studied art in Brisbane during the 1970s, Carolyn then worked in the commercial art field throughout the 1980s. Although her career as a practicing artist was paused while she focused on raising four children, art remained a central influence, as evidenced by her efforts to integrate artistic experiences into her children’s upbringing. She actively engaged her children in artistic activities and facilitated their interaction with various forms of art, ensuring that her commitment to the arts remained a significant aspect of her life.
Having instilled in her children an appreciation for the dialogue that art can provoke, her renewed involvement in art seeks to continue the crucial role in shaping difficult conversations and promoting change. Her current work encourages introspection about connections between personal actions, environmental impact, and our collective responsibility to the world.
Anne Smerdon
Edie, Mulberry & Blueberry
Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal)
S.S.A.D.O.
Kymberley McElroy
Coast