Vicki Couzens - KAWEERR, werribee
The Werribee level crossing removal was the fourth Level Crossing Removal Projects (LXRP) public art commission led by T Projects. We developed a project specific arts strategy, created the artists commission brief, sourced a long list of suitable artists for our client’s consideration and managed the shortlisted artists through concept design, presentation and selection.
Gigantic emu feet sculptures were created by First Nations artist Vicki Couzens wrapping around the base of two of the bridge columns. The emu theme is also reflected in a series of footprints etched into a pathway leading towards the Werribee River.
A yarning circle representing an emu’s nest provides a place for gathering and reflection, while the skate park featires a mixture of ramps, rails and obstacles catering for a range of ages and abilities.
Client
Level Crossing Removal Project
Artist
Project Team
Western Program Alliance with Denton Corker Marshall, Hassell and Arup
Fabricator
Jeph Neale
Photography
T Projects
Vicki Couzens
Vicki Couzens is a member of the Keerray Wooroong language group of the Gunditjmara of western Victoria, Vicki was born in 1960 in Warrnambool, living on Country until the family relocated to Geelong in 1973. She lived and worked in Geelong, Melbourne and East Gippsland before returning to Warrnambool in 1999. In 2009 Vicki moved back to Melbourne for seven years and now lives in the Stony Rises, part of her home Country, in Victoria’s western districts.
Vicki has distinguished herself with her interdisciplinary artwork, or as she prefers, ‘creative cultural expression’ - painting, installation, visual arts, printmaking, mixed media, performing arts, language, ceremony and teaching - but is best known for her central role in the revival of the possum skin cloak making tradition which began in Victoria and is now established across south-eastern Australia.
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