‘THE 'SPIRIT' OF COLTON CLOSE’ ARTWORKS

 

PAINTED by 220 RESIDENTS and STAFF and FAMILY and FRIENDS 

of COLTON CLOSE [Anglican Aged Care Services Group] 

GLENROY VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

THE NURSING HOME ARTWORK

 

Almost all that live at Colton Close have a life-long and deep religious faith - many are Roman Catholic. With this in mind the nursing home artwork was designed to form the backdrop of the altar, the site of regular inter-faith church services. 

The floral panels that anchor either side of each artwork were inspired by the decorative designs of William Morris. The rose trellis represents youth and beauty and growth, whilst the oak leaf clusters indicate maturity, old age and quiet wisdom. 

The peace dove centre-piece linking the two floral panels is not only symbolic of the human desire for peace on Earth, but also the search for emotional and spiritual peace. The images of the dove, the sun and the moon are of extra significance to Roman Catholics as they symbolize the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, whose protection the residents seek in their devotions. The delicate blue shading of the sky, from light to dark, follows the journey of life from beginning to end. 

The fruit trees and the gum tree branches, and the banksias that decorate the lower panel, acknowledge the resident’s love of the Australian landscape and their country. 

The wings of the dove encompass each artist with the promise of peace and comfort. Nil Desparatum.

 

THE HOSTEL ARTWORK

 

The hostel artwork was designed to recognize the early life of the Australian born residents and the contribution they have made in building our nation. The row of terrace houses and factories represents life in inner city Collingwood or Fitzroy between the World Wars of the 20th century. The smoking chimney-stacks are symbolic of hard physical work feeding the fiery furnaces, the printing presses and the knitting mills and boot factories of Abbotsford, Flemington and North Melbourne. 

The two central figures and the pictorial vignettes acknowledge the background and contribution made by migrants from more than twenty countries. These residents and staff members have embraced this country and made Australia their own. They have joined together with fellow Australian men and women in support of a common goal - to hold Australia high. Through hard work they have forged the backbone of Australia by helping build a free and prosperous 21st century nation. A nation that has at her heart the dignity and respect of every citizen.

 

Julie Gross McAdam gratefully acknowledges the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust 
and their generous grant to Anglican Aged Care Services Group.