Design of a new Wilderness Gallery at Cradle Mt

I was engaged by RACT Destinations in June 2016 to design a new gallery for their Cradle Mountain Hotel property. Research and consultation guided my final design that focused on Tasmanian artists and experiences that were authentic and told some of the many fascinating Tasmanian stories. Our team included designers, artists, builders, painters, cartoonists, textile artists and writers. The new gallery was relaunched by the Governor of Tasmania, Dr Kate Warner on the 3rd July 2018 and the response from visitors has been incredible. A project delivered on schedule and meeting the budgetary targets. This was a project in a remote Tasmanian location that required high level project management skills to problem solve, manage the challenges and the budget of almost $200 000. The redevelopment included establishing a new Residency Program and Annual Exhibition Program, designing and constructing six permanent exhibit rooms, an artists workroom and five changing galleries. A brief video provides more details and can be viewed at www.wildernessgallery.com.au

Raymond Arnold installation

It was such a pleasure to work with Raymond Arnold on his large exhibition in the Wilderness Gallery titled Elsewhere World.

Standing within this exhibition created the sense that I was standing within the craggy West Coast rocks and cliffs. Beautiful, haunting and important work for visitors to experience.

Kids are loving the Children's Room

The focus of this room was on interactive elements to allow space for children to explore and play. There is intentionally no technology, but a theme of homemade, timber and sturdy furniture.

The Devil's Den was designed by Sara and Dan Kershaw, the mural was designed and painted by Jon Kudelka, with a little help from Kylie, who designed and fitted out the room with appropriate furniture and activities.

Jon Kudelka in situ

‘Cradle Mountain is a special place and when the opportunity came up to spend some time as a resident artist here, I jumped at the chance.

My first response was to focus on the wildlife through paintings on canvas and pyrography on specialty timbers and I’m working on a book of sketches focusing on people interacting with the World Heritage Area.

The variable weather gave me the opportunity to split my time walking and working in the studio. One day I swam in Crater Lake in the sunshine and the next I walked into Dove Lake in the snow.

Kylie and Cradle Mountain Hotel have done a great job revitalising the gallery area and setting up a great opportunity for artists to experience this beautiful place.’

Jon Kudelka, Cartoonist and Artist (during his residency at the gallery Jon very generously created a wonderful mural on the walls of the children’s room.

Resident artist Phillip England

‘Nothing is more important to an artist than peace and quiet, time for reflection, inspiring surroundings and a supportive environment. My two week residency at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery brought me all these things and more. I have rarely experienced a more potent and satisfying artistic sabbatical. Curator Kylie Eastley's perceptive and generous support throughout was invaluable. I was able to quietly develop and explore creative avenues in the magical wilderness surrounding the Gallery and in the studio space within. I'd do it again at the drop of a hat!’

Spotted quolls

Posing within the Out of Nowhere exhibition. It was a fascinating and extremely positive experience to work with the three artists; Amanda Kay, Natasa Milenovic and Jerome Dobinson to bring this extensive exhibition together.

Natasa Milenovic.wixsite.com

Amanda Kay and Jerome Dobinson can be contacted at www.t3d.design

Out of Nowhere artists...

Amanda Kay, Natasa Milenovic and Jerome Dobinson hanging work recently at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery.