A SERIES of family tributes and memories are detailed in an exhibition showcasing woven works by local Yorta Yorta man Daniel Hills.
The exhibition opening of Entwined will be held at 1pm this Sunday at Workspace 3496 following the Red Cliffs Country Market and will run until October 29.
Hills's body of work is made using both traditional and contemporary methods of the intertwining woven technique, where he has encapsulated his memories and experiences throughout his life.
“Having a strong connection to my family, I have incorporated domestic and recycled materials into the weave, which replicates key moments in time and represents them as physical fragments of my memories and experiences tributing to my family, both past and present,” Hills said.
Hills was born in Nhill, Victoria, and raised on a farm in the West Wimmera.
“Being a Yorta Yorta descendant, I am very proud of my culture, continuing to learn and practice my culture will ensure that it has a strong future,” he said.
Hills is in the process of gaining his Cert III in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts certificate at Mildura Dulka Yuppata Indigenous Training Centre.
His work has been exhibited previously in collaborative exhibitions at the Mildura Arts Centre Gallery and the Dulka Yuppata Indigenous Training Centre Gallery.
“Daniel Hills comes from an artistic family and has been weaving for four years now," artistic director Rohan Morris said.
His interest in his heritage as well as found and natural materials, with his hands on approach to learning has developed into the sculptural woven tributes.
“Family plays a vital role in my methodology, people commend you for your talent, but I believe you need to be inspired to access your talent, and inspiration is what my family has done for me,” Hills said.
“Traditionally weaving methods were known to be done by the women in Australian Aboriginal culture.
"The knowledge and skills I have gained were passed down to me by my mother and sister while incorporating self-taught methods.
"It is the process of the weaving I find therapeutic, going into an almost meditating state during the process."
The Workspace 3496 gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.