Remnant
Location
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An iron tracing of a branch from a drowned tree, found washed up on the shoreline of Lake Eildon.
Each contour of the branch was recorded in rope, which was cut off carefully to preserve the branch and then cast in iron. The branch was returned to water’s edge exactly where it was found.
Invasive pasture grasses have been replaced by local plants, a young grassland surrounds Remnant that will expand each year as the grassland species seed.
In time the trees still standing in the lake will be consumed by the water, but this iron tracing will remain. Its hollowness holding a memory of what was here.
This artwork has been possible with the support and knowledge of Peter De Garis, Fred Kroh, Uncle Mick Harding, Billman’s Foundry and Euroa Arboretum.
About the artist
Cara Johnson
Cara Johnson’s craft-based works interrogate tensions and narratives connected to the ways land is treated and used through material, intention and invested labour. Her practice is entwined with her rural location, and primarily concerned with traversing the complexities between people and plants.
In 2016 Cara completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Hons.) at RMIT University, where she is also a current PhD Candidate. Recent solo exhibitions include Understory at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Overlay at The Santos Museum of Economic Botany and Semblance of Repair at Gallery Funaki. Cara also exhibits widely in group shows, nationally and internationally, notably Paper Art 2017 at CODA Museum in the Netherlands, Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2021 in Schmuck in Munich in 2022 and 2023. Cara's works are held in various public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria.
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About the project
Art on the Great Victorian Rail Trail brings walkers and riders on a journey of artistic discovery through beautiful Taungurung Country.
In 2021 Murrindindi, Mitchell and Mansfield Shire Councils were successful in receiving $1.2 million through the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to create large-scale art installations along the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Eight artists were engaged to create seven major art installations and 20 smaller works that have been placed along the length of the trail. You can discover them all here.