3007, Pearls and Wine, Leanne Ashworth
ARTWORK ID: 3007
CATEGORY: Open Theme
ARTIST STATEMENT:
My piece explores the poignant intersection of history, memory, and celebration in the closure of Cossack, a once-thriving town in Western Australia. Known for its rich colonial past as a port and hub for the pearling industry, Cossack now stands as a quiet reminder of both the promise and the decline that shaped the Australian frontier. As the town closes its chapter, this series of pieces reflects on the community's resilience, the people who lived there, and the passage of time.
Pearls, central to the town's history, serve as a metaphor for the complexities of life-like the town itself, their beauty and value were formed through years of hardship, labour, and transformation. Each pearl tells a story of struggle and refinement, mirroring Cossack's own rise and fall. These pearls, once a symbol of wealth and prosperity, now evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the quiet endurance of history.
Wine, much like pearls, is a celebratory element that encapsulates the beauty of life's contrasts-the rich, the bitter, and the sweet. It marks transitions, both personal and collective, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and honour what has passed. As Cossack closes its doors, the act of raising a glass of wine becomes a ritual to celebrate not just the end, but the enduring legacy of the people and the stories of this place.
Through this work, I draw a parallel between the closure of Cossack, the preciousness of pearls, and the act of celebration through wine. Both pearls and wine require time to mature, to evolve, and to reveal their true worth. In capturing the essence of this fading town, I aim to provoke a conversation about the cycles of growth and decay, the passage of time, and the rituals that help us commemorate what is lost while celebrating what endures. Ultimately, the closure of Cossack is not an end, but a moment to honour the richness of its history, its pearls, and the joy that still lingers, much like the lingering taste of wine.
MEDIUM: Acrylic
ARTWORK DIMENSIONS (width x height): 600mm x 900mm
WEIGHT (approx): 3kg
ARTIST LOCATION: KARRATHA, WA
ARTWORK ID: 3007
CATEGORY: Open Theme
ARTIST STATEMENT:
My piece explores the poignant intersection of history, memory, and celebration in the closure of Cossack, a once-thriving town in Western Australia. Known for its rich colonial past as a port and hub for the pearling industry, Cossack now stands as a quiet reminder of both the promise and the decline that shaped the Australian frontier. As the town closes its chapter, this series of pieces reflects on the community's resilience, the people who lived there, and the passage of time.
Pearls, central to the town's history, serve as a metaphor for the complexities of life-like the town itself, their beauty and value were formed through years of hardship, labour, and transformation. Each pearl tells a story of struggle and refinement, mirroring Cossack's own rise and fall. These pearls, once a symbol of wealth and prosperity, now evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the quiet endurance of history.
Wine, much like pearls, is a celebratory element that encapsulates the beauty of life's contrasts-the rich, the bitter, and the sweet. It marks transitions, both personal and collective, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and honour what has passed. As Cossack closes its doors, the act of raising a glass of wine becomes a ritual to celebrate not just the end, but the enduring legacy of the people and the stories of this place.
Through this work, I draw a parallel between the closure of Cossack, the preciousness of pearls, and the act of celebration through wine. Both pearls and wine require time to mature, to evolve, and to reveal their true worth. In capturing the essence of this fading town, I aim to provoke a conversation about the cycles of growth and decay, the passage of time, and the rituals that help us commemorate what is lost while celebrating what endures. Ultimately, the closure of Cossack is not an end, but a moment to honour the richness of its history, its pearls, and the joy that still lingers, much like the lingering taste of wine.
MEDIUM: Acrylic
ARTWORK DIMENSIONS (width x height): 600mm x 900mm
WEIGHT (approx): 3kg
ARTIST LOCATION: KARRATHA, WA
ARTWORK ID: 3007
CATEGORY: Open Theme
ARTIST STATEMENT:
My piece explores the poignant intersection of history, memory, and celebration in the closure of Cossack, a once-thriving town in Western Australia. Known for its rich colonial past as a port and hub for the pearling industry, Cossack now stands as a quiet reminder of both the promise and the decline that shaped the Australian frontier. As the town closes its chapter, this series of pieces reflects on the community's resilience, the people who lived there, and the passage of time.
Pearls, central to the town's history, serve as a metaphor for the complexities of life-like the town itself, their beauty and value were formed through years of hardship, labour, and transformation. Each pearl tells a story of struggle and refinement, mirroring Cossack's own rise and fall. These pearls, once a symbol of wealth and prosperity, now evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the quiet endurance of history.
Wine, much like pearls, is a celebratory element that encapsulates the beauty of life's contrasts-the rich, the bitter, and the sweet. It marks transitions, both personal and collective, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and honour what has passed. As Cossack closes its doors, the act of raising a glass of wine becomes a ritual to celebrate not just the end, but the enduring legacy of the people and the stories of this place.
Through this work, I draw a parallel between the closure of Cossack, the preciousness of pearls, and the act of celebration through wine. Both pearls and wine require time to mature, to evolve, and to reveal their true worth. In capturing the essence of this fading town, I aim to provoke a conversation about the cycles of growth and decay, the passage of time, and the rituals that help us commemorate what is lost while celebrating what endures. Ultimately, the closure of Cossack is not an end, but a moment to honour the richness of its history, its pearls, and the joy that still lingers, much like the lingering taste of wine.
MEDIUM: Acrylic
ARTWORK DIMENSIONS (width x height): 600mm x 900mm
WEIGHT (approx): 3kg
ARTIST LOCATION: KARRATHA, WA