Kathy Landvogt lives and works in Castlemaine, and it was her interest in the region, specifically the Loddon river and its tributary patterns, that first brought her to the attention of Loddon Valley Arts.

A friend heard “Loddon” mentioned and remembered that Kathy was creating an installation using old cartography maps and also exploring women’s techniques of embroidery that they used in samplers to decorate their homes.

That first exhibition was in Brunswick, but at the time Kathy was thinking about how good it would be to bring it to Central Victoria, we asked her if she’d like to come to Loddon. She said yes, right away, and then, when Tenar Dwyer at Inglewood Community Neighbourhoood House said she’d be interested in curating the show, the deal was done.

Kathy’s work is mixed media, and she uses contemporary textiles to make her sculptures. For her, the handling of fibre connects her to the female heritage of manual textile work.

She also works with fine-gauged copper wire, for its strength, malleability, and what she calls its “memory”.

She loves a challenge: and Tribute to the Loddon is certainly that.

In tandem with projections created by Chi-uh Star, Kathy’s wire and fibre sculptures are a three-dimensional map that traces how the waterway links communities and weaves history with the environment. For those who live with the river, this will be both moving and memorable. For those who are visiting the region, this is a beautiful way to discover its history, its essence, and the deep meanings of the place.

The installation is embedded in the building: you’ll see how the grand old Town Hall links to the new community rooms, and go into spaces where the very walls show the marks of time and history.

Loddon Valley Arts is proud to be supporting this unique project, which brings the outside in, with elegant craft and creativity.