Destructive storm inspires creative recycling

Jacquelyn Curtis

Sculptor Paul Jamieson at work Photo: Edward O'Daly

22 August 2006: You'd think it would be difficult to find a 'silver lining' in the destruction caused by the wild storm that ripped through university campus in early December, causing around $300,000 of structural damage to university buildings and knocking down 50 trees.

But despite the devastation caused, a silver lining remains - the reuse of some of the felled trees for outdoor furniture and an installation artwork.

Facilities manager, Neville Checksfield, said some of the trees uprooted by the storm were more than 100 years old and it had been decided "fairly early on" they were to be reused.

"We've decided to use some of the timber for seats around the place and some of it will be used to create a sculpture," he said.

"It is great the wood can stay on campus and be put to another use."

The sculpture will be created by local artist Paul Jamieson and will be made from four to five metre logs of Yellow Box, which are thought to have lived on the campus forthree centuries before the storm.

University art collection curator, Johanna Owens, described the sculpture as abstract and a "visually strong piece".

"It is a good design," she said.

"The artist will use a chainsaw to make a cutting design on the material and give it texture, while keeping the rawness of the material present.

"It is nice to be feeding the material back into campus and this project also gives a talented local artist a break.

"It is a win-win situation for everyone and we look forward with anticipation of its completion," Mrs Owens said.

The sculpture will find its new home towards the end of September among the trees near building seven.

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Campus shows scars of wild weather's fury