Dani Storm (Design by Storm), a Melbourne based industrial designer and furniture maker, has collaborated with SHC iTinker/wood students to create a lighting installation to be exhibited at Brightspace Gallery in St Kilda as part of Melbourne Design Week. Students connected the theme of the exhibition, Light + Life to the recent devastation of this Summer's Australian bushfires.

The following is the students' perspective.

Our native flora and fauna have had their ashes scattered in the air, causing destruction to our ecosystem and additionally impacting surrounding countries. Our installation focuses on the remaining structure and life of the land. The beauty and life that comes from traumatic events can often create a sense of community and belonging, bringing people together to repair what is broken.

After consultation with residents living in the impacted areas of East Gippsland, debris was collected and carefully transported back to the Makerspace at Sacred Heart College. The charred wood will form the design of a sculptural light, bent to resemble unity and hope after destruction.

EXHIBITION TIMES: 13–22 MAR, MON–FRI, 10AM–6PM & SAT–SUN, 12–4PM

https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/program/lightlife/#date8

Siobhan Kavenagh, Makerspace Manager