It was wonderful to continue our margin-to-margin collaboration with Bridge to Nowhere Arts Association in Port Pirie, Australia. Researcher and artist Melanie Sarantou initiated this contact some time back through workshop and discussions about the dreams and future orientation that Bridge to Nowhere Artists were thinking about. This took place through face-to-face meetings and a Facebook thread, continuing into a workshop where mandalas of life were woven into an old gate, which received a second life through an international artists’ collaboration. The artists’ association had prepared natural and textile materials that could be woven into the gate. Me, Melanie and artist Sherrie Jones collaborated on gate project with the association. Our collaboration with Sherrie had started already way back in Fowlers Bay and in Helinä museum with workshops and exhibitions.

We worked three days with the gate, starting with creating a mandala from natural materials around close by damn. The idea was to think about one’s life cycle and make it in the shape of a mandala as an ephemeral installation that can vanish over time and under natural conditions. Over the next few days, the mandalas continued to take shape, being woven and attached to the gate, now made from recycled and textile materials. The finished gate was set up in the community for the following six weeks.

Mandalas are about weaving a repeating, balanced pattern in harmony. Letting the mind be at peace, just focusing on craft and handiwork in rhythm. This created a suitable place to welcome each other’s small stories and friendship. Weaving together, sharing stories, and working on collaborative projects was an impressive Bridge to Nowhere Arts experience. Thank you to all the local artists for your collaboration.