Art in the Park
In a world which is swamped by mass produced products, the hand-made object becomes a tool for individuality and self-expression. Cooktown Markets feature a variety of local artists’ hand-made works showcasing the talents of the region. If you visit an art stall, you get to meet and talk to the artist, hear the stories behind their works, and talk about their techniques. Markets are held every Saturday between 8am – 12pm on the waterfront.
Helen Conrad
Conrad Michael & Helen Gordon – market artists
Partners in both life and business, this dynamic duo showcase a collection of indigenous paintings, traditional Aboriginal musical instruments and other small objects at their market stall. You may even catch the sharp resonating sounds made by the clap sticks as the artists demonstrate their powerful capabilities.
Helen is from the Nugal-Warra tribe, whose traditional lands are to the north of the Endeavour River, stretching across to the Hopevale community. She is a well-known local artist and is the daughter of the famous artist and storyteller Tulo Gordon, who taught her how to paint.
Helen has been painting for more than twenty years now, and loves painting and passing on traditional stories and wisdom to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. She believes that it is very important to pass on understanding and respect for the traditions and customs of her people.
Conrad is from the Balngarr clan group. His meticulous paintings and artifacts are inspired by the stories of his country. In his younger days he used to be a stockman. While on holidays he gave his wife, Helen Gordon, a hand with her painting. He realised then that he had talent and from then on has continued to paint.
If you get a chance to visit the markets, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to meet this talented duo.
- Carvings at Cooktown markets
Mark Berg – market artist
Carved bowls, sculptures, and other small objects that often depict Australian native flora and fauna feature at Mark Berg’s stall, a Cooktown Master wood-carver. The artist uses a variety of timbers, presenting each species’ unique wood-grain to their best advantage. Smooth polished curves contrast against carved textural surfaces, just begging for fingertip interaction.
Mark's work can be found in many private and public collections, most notably in Cooktown with the Python sculpture at the Botanic Gardens [Please link with python sculpture public art paragraph].
He studied Polynesian wood and stone artifacts and tools at Auckland Museum and also learnt carving techniques working with Maori woodcarvers. Mark has developed and refined many specialized skills having worked for over twenty years with Australian hard woods.
Enquiries and commissions welcome, Mark also teaches woodcarving for small groups or to individuals by request.
Ph: (07) 4069 5100
http://www.markberg-mastercarver.com
