Sisterhood sculpture

Sisterhood in sculpture : a 125 th celebratory gift from the Old Girls Association Grammar girls and Grammar women, what is so special about this concept that has become such a powerful idea at Girls Grammar? Perhaps it simply reveals an essential, ongoing relationship with the School, the sense that the bond remains strong, the concept that sisters are sisters for life. Nothing encapsulates this continuity more than the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Old Girls Association (OGA). This group has always been, and continues to be, synonymous with giving, connection, and a love for their School.

Sisterhood 2024 This commitment has been evident since the establishment of the OGA in 1899. The Association has initiated many events (balls, School Day, and The OGA Art Show), activities (OGA versus student tennis and netball matches, reunions, dramatic and music clubs), and gifts – academic, practical, and aesthetic. While the events and activities remain important, like School Day that has morphed into Open Day, it is perhaps the gifted artistic works that especially enhance the culture and ambiance of our campuses, that add an element of beauty, that make the intangible tangible. These aesthetic contributions made by the OGA range from stunning stained-glass windows to functional furniture to significant honour boards to captivating artwork. Amongst these are two significant sculptures. The first is a refined bronze sculpture of a bilby, created by illustrious Grammar woman, Kathleen Shillam (1931) in 1993, currently on display outside the office of the Principal. The second is seen by students every day, but perhaps sometimes overlooked as it blends seamlessly with its surroundings on the pool lawn. This is the beautiful Reflections sculptural panel, created by Robert Clerc in 2010.

2010 Unveiling of Reflections. Left to right: Pauline Harvey-Short (Harvey 1971), Dorothy Bourguignon (Scotney 1958), Stacey Olson (Hill 1975), Diana Wood (Thacker 1975), Amanda Bell (Principal), Christine Purvis (Steindl 1965), Sylvia Pegg (Gaulton 1965), Anne Caston (Pressland 1958), Sue Jordan Squire 1967), Lyle Schwarten (White 1945), Sue Meeking (O’Brien 1965). It seemed fitting that 2024, being the 125 th anniversary of the Old Girls Association, the Committee commission a special piece to mark this milestone. Conversations commenced in mid-2023 and it was decided in July that we first consult with Mrs Lorraine Thornquist (Williams, 1967). Lorraine’s input was sought with her fitting credentials as a former student, language teacher and Director of the Creative Arts Faculty (2010-2016) QAGOMA Volunteer Guide and now Manager of the School’s art collection. The question put to Lorraine was what, in her opinion, would be a suitable work to donate and, importantly, where would this piece be best displayed so that the whole School community could appreciate it. A sculpture was proposed, one of abstract nature and with two figures suggesting sisterhood. This is a powerful concept adopted by Grammar girls and women, and it only seemed appropriate that the newly announced Junior School building would offer the most fitting location, one that connected the oldest Grammar campus to the newest, the youngest Grammar girls with their big sisters. The sculpture would first be displayed in the Main Building so that the current cohort could appreciate the piece before it is relocated across Gregory Terrace to the new Junior School in 2026. With these thoughts in mind, Lorraine and I then consulted the Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh, to discuss the project and seek her support. I suggested an artist, Danielle Piat (1981). Danielle was in my year at school – and so the sisterhood flows on – and I had followed her artistic journey through social media. Some of her pieces resonated with me and, as she was an old girl, I hoped the brief would inspire her and the result would be something extraordinary.

Danielle lives and works in Port Douglas. When featured on the Art in Transit FNQ Artists Collection website, the author stated: “ Although a highly skilled multidisciplinary artist in various art methods – drawing, painting, sgraffito – sculpture prevails, as the way Danielle believes she is best emotionally expressed. In her own words, ‘ Each sculpture I create allows me to revel in past happiness, and I think part of that childhood happiness can be glimpsed in each piece. ’”

Sculptures by Danielle Piat

The OGA committee briefed Danielle with the concept: the sculpture would feature two female figures, one younger than the other. To make the piece timeless, we asked that it have an abstract quality in its depiction of the figures. Initial drawings included the Grammar blouse, badge, and hat, but it was ultimately decided that these limited the creativity desired of the piece. The challenge was to make the two figures reveal a profound connection, but also project independence and strength. Sisters stand together but also enable each one to stand on her own.

2023 Stimulus image of Julie and Samantha Caton and Danielle’s preliminary drawings.

On 17 October 2023, at an OGA committee meeting, a photograph of myself with my daughter, Samantha Caton (2016), was taken. I sent this to Danielle to provide an image that clarified the concept. Initial drawings were submitted by Danielle. Lorraine Thornquist supported the abstraction applied in the drawing. Ms Euler Welsh requested a softening of the shoulder lines. Danielle submitted a revised drawing that was endorsed by the Committee and, at a meeting on 8 November 2023, the motion to commission Danielle to create the sculpture was passed. The OGA Committee is very grateful to Lorraine Thornquist for her wise guidance and thoughtful contributions.

Dani then built the sculpture by hand from raku clay using a coiling method. It took several weeks to build, then had to settle for a few weeks before firing.

Sisterhood in production.

The final, stunning sculpture was unveiled by Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh and me in front of the whole school at the OGA celebratory assembly on 15 May. Members of the OGA committee were also in attendance. At the conclusion of assembly, to add extra significance to the occasion, every student was presented with a Connections badge to commemorate the OGA’s 125 th anniversary and the historic unveiling of the now officially titled, Sisterhood .

2024 Sisterhood is unveiled by Ms Euler Welsh, Principal and Julie Caton, OGA President.

Although I had seen photographs of the finished work, seeing it in the presence of the whole school community took my breath away. It is indeed an extraordinary piece that speaks of the connections between current students, past students, and the sisterhood links between the two.

15 May 2024, OGA Celebratory Assembly and unveiling of Sisterhood.

It is truly a compelling and tactile piece; I found myself drawn to touch the tops of each head. Pauline Harvey-Short (Harvey, 1971) reminded me of the long-ago tradition when students would rub the top of the original Minerva statue for good luck before exams. Perhaps our Sisterhood sculpture, when it is finally ensconced in its permanent position, will become integral to the culture of the School. It will be one of the first items junior students see when they arrive at school each day and the last as they leave. A touch, a wish, a connection.

Julie Caton (Cleghorn 1981)

President of the OGA

15 May 2024 OGA 125 th Birthday Celebration with Sisterhood

Left to right: Ann Caston (Pressland 1958), Sylvia Pegg (Gaulton,1965), Louise Bremner (Steindl, 1964), Antonia Swindells (Butnoris 1996), Pauline Harvey-Short (Harvey, 1971), Julie Caton (Cleghorn, 1981), Lyle Schwarten (White, 1945), Tori Cardell-Ree (Cardell), Lorraine Thornquist (Williams, 1967), Susan Walker (Anderson, 1995), Katie Allan (1988), Carolyn Dimento (de Hayr, 1981)

References

https://artintransit.gallery/danielle-piat/ Downloaded 24.07.2024

OGA Minutes 14 July; 17 October 2023; 8 November 2023.

Piat, D. Email correspondence 5.09.2023; 03.11.2023.

Conversations

Caton, J. and Thornquist, L. 06.09.2023

Euler Welsh, J. and Caton, J. 03.11.2023