Date published: 22/08/2017

The centerpiece creation for this year’s Kings Park Festival, is a six-metre wide ephemeral sculpture by Perth-based artist, Sally Stoneman, located in the heart of the Western Australian Botanic Garden among shady trees. This large-scale sculpture, Woven Wildernest, honours the Kwongan eco-region of Western Australia with its construction of reclaimed Kings Park timber and includes native wildflowers collected within the park. 

Complementing Stoneman’s artwork is a triptych installation by Pascal Proteau and Karen Millar. From Pollination to Inspiration, invites discovery by taking microscopic forms and exploding them into full view by way of a complex array of sculptural forms. Produced with both organic and non-organic materials, these detailed works highlight the intricacies involved in the propagation of plant and flower life; from Jarrah flowers through to sprouting seedlings. The installation features the intricate natural designs of pollen grains and seeds, suspended from mature trees near the Floral Clock at the entry to the WA Botanic Garden.

Inspired by the diverse and complex interrelationships between WA’s unique animal and plant species, both of the artworks speak to the state’s remarkable ecosystem. The term ‘Kwongan’ is a Nyoongar word describing the sandy, open and shrub-vegetated lands of the South West. It is an area of global importance and a significant biodiversity hotspot, with half of the species in this region found nowhere else on Earth. Woven Wildernest aims to highlight the distinctive flowering plants found in this area. Stoneman says the nest-like structure “captures and encompasses concepts of protection, safety and nurture”, as a cradle for wildflower woven eggs, reflecting the relationships of the flora and fauna in the natural world.

Artsource CEO, Gavin Buckley, says “The beautiful surrounds of Kings Park are an inspiring backdrop for all who visit, especially during the annual Kings Park Festival when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Working outdoors and displaying their works in the Western Australian Botanic Garden is a wonderful opportunity for Western Australian artists to showcase their creative connection with our unique landscapes.”

Kings Park Festival Director, Jacqui Kennedy, says “We are thrilled to be working with such talented artists to further educate the Western Australian community on the incredible biodiversity found in our own state. With more than half a million people expected to visit Kings Park this September, we excited for people to see and enjoy these spectacular artworks.”

The Kings Park Festival is an annual highlight and iconic Perth event, having celebrated Western Australia’s unique biodiversity for the past 54 years. Presented by Kings Park and Botanic Garden and the Friends of Kings Park, with the generous support of Lotterywest, the Festival is celebrating the theme of Where the Wildflowers Are and this September, Kings Park will transform  with a month-long program of WA wildflower displays, guided walks and talks, workshops and outdoor exhibitions and installations.

The artists, Sally Stoneman, Karen Millar and Pascal Proteau have been commissioned by Artsource for Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Sally Stoneman, Karen Millar and Pascal Proteau. 2017 Kings Park Festival artists. Photographer: Sue-Lyn Moyle
IMAGE: Sally Stoneman, Karen Millar and Pascal Proteau. 2017 Kings Park Festival artists. Photographer: Sue-Lyn Moyle

Workshops

Artist workshops will be run with Sally Stoneman to complement Woven Wildernest:

  • Meet the Wildernest Artist: Meet Sally Stoneman, artist of the ephemeral installation, Woven Wildernest, which showcases the flora of the Kwongan region in the South West of Western Australia. Visit the installation and chat to Sally about the techniques used in her spectacular sculpture.
  • When: 11.30am to 12.30pm, Sunday 3 and Thursday 21 September 2017


  • Weave your own Wildernest: Join Sally Stoneman, for a hand-sewn woven basketry workshop using natural materials sourced from Kings Park. Bookings are essential and a small fee of $20 is required.
  • When: 9am to 12pm, Monday 4 and Saturday 9 September 2017.


  • In-a-fence-ive Weaving: Leave your mark on the ephemeral installation, Woven Wildernest, which showcases the flora of the Kwongan region in the South West of Western Australia. Natural materials will be available on site.
  • When: 9am to 5pm, 1 to 30 September 2017

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