Over the past almost two years, we've had the privilege of working for Parks NSW to implement the incredible design for the Summit of Mount Canobolas.
As a result of the work the Botanic Landscapes team have become pseudo specialists in working with lichen covered rock walls in sub-zero conditions - after working on the summit of Mount Canobolas at 1300m above sea level we can work anywhere!
Part of this incredible project included recreating, in landscape form, a Dreamtime story about Gaahna-bula by local Aboriginal artist, Mick Crook.
Botanic Landscapes were up for the challenge as we'd been told by the Parks NSW team that nothing like this had been attempted before. This unique artwork is interpreted into mosaic form using corten steel, cobblestone, slate, tiles and stoneset and we couldn't be more proud of this collaborative piece.
If you are in the area, please visit the summit of Gaanha-bula to learn about the history and beauty of this important Aboriginal site. Links attached below.
Here is an excerpt of the Dreamtime story on which the artwork has been based on. Artwork by local Wiradjuri artist, Mick Crook:
Wiradjuri elders agreed to share publicly for the first time the Three Bothers Creation story which is depicted in the artwork.
Mount Canobolas – or Gaanha-bula (two shoulders) was turned to stone by the Ancient Spirits as punishment after he killed his little brother for beating him in a challenge over a Migaay (a Woman of marriageable age). He killed his brother Wahluu in a rage after he lost that challenge to Wahluu. The challenge is well known among Wiradjuri people of the area. The three brothers story is entrenched in lore.
Map Location of Gaanha-Bula with aerial shot of Summit Area
Another large part of the project on the Summit entailed the restoration and rebuilding of the stone walls that surround the Summit area. Since their initial installation the bluestone had gradually become home to various types of Lichen.
Rebuilding the stone walls was handled in such a way as to preserve the lichen which is specific to the local area.
The project also included construction of two new blue stone walls at the entrances to the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area using local stones.
Construction begins in front of the old timber sign
