When I first arrived for my residency at Q Bank Gallery, I had planned to embark on a personal mapping project; one that would trace my own experiences and movement through the beauty of the regenerating landscape, the beauty of the scarring as well as the rich history of Queenstown. However, after being welcomed so warmly into this generous and creative community, I realised that a project rooted in shared experience would be far more meaningful. This led to a shift in focus: rather than mapping my own journey, I wanted to create a collaborative artwork that reflects the generosity, connection, and creativity that thrives here.
This project invites you to take part in an exchange of ideas, interpretations and of artwork itself.
Each participant receives a small envelope containing a 10x10cm segment of a map of Queenstown. Out of context, these sections become abstract compositions of lines and shapes, serving as inspiration for your own artwork. You are free to respond however you like, using the provided materials.
Once finished, your work will be displayed alongside others, forming a collective reimagining of Queenstown; one shaped by many hands and perspectives.
Before you begin, you’ll write your postal address on the envelope. At the close of the exhibition, each participant will receive a surprise in the mail: another person’s artwork, a piece of the community carried forward.
This project is an act of exchange between strangers and community members, between places and between interpretations of a shared landscape. It is a small way to honour the generosity of this town and its people, where creativity is not just welcomed but encouraged to flow freely.
In conjunction with the Postal Cartography project, we will be exhibiting historical maps and aerial photographs as well as books, locally mined rock, ore and core samples.
Courtesy of the collections of
Raymond Arnold
Rory Wray-McCann
Notes:
1. Open Studio Dates
The Open Studio runs from 1st – 21st March, and participants are encouraged to create their artwork here using the provided materials.
2. Open Studio Hours
The studio will be open daily for drop-in from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. Keep an eye out on the pinned post shortly on Instagram @studiolada for any changes.
3. Accessibility & Remote Participation
If you are unable to attend the Open Studio in person, Lada can email you a template so you can participate remotely. Get in touch:
Email: info@studiolada.com
Instagram: @studiolada
4. Cost
The project is free of charge. All instructions and materials are provided by the artist. Every participant will receive another person’s artwork at the end of the project. You are welcome to use your own materials if you prefer.
5. Mailing Timeline
Artworks will be mailed to participants in the week following the exhibition
6. Personal Information
Your postal address will only be used to send you your artwork exchange. Your address will not be shared with other participants. Neither the artist not the gallery will collect or store your information for any other purpose.
If you prefer not to provide a postal address, your allocated artwork will become a part of the Q Bank Gallery Art Collection
7. Supporting the Artist
Some lovely people have asked how they can support my work. While there’s absolutely no obligation, if you’d like, you can buy me a coffee (real or virtual!) at www.buymeacoffee.com/studiolada
Interactive Open Studio & Exhibition
1st - 21st March
2:00 - 6:00 PM daily
Finissage Closing Celebration & Map Resolution
5 pm, Friday 21st March
Q Bank Gallery
37 Orr St
Queenstown
LUTRUWITA TAS 7467
AUSTRALIA
Local Mapping with Q Bank Artist in Residence Lada Dedic