Testimonial from Mark Overton, Project manager, ACT Land Development Agency (LDA)
The two year process followed by the Land Development Agency, Wellspring Art & Design, Redbox Design Group and members of the local Representative Aboriginal Organisations has made the Gubur Dhaura enhancement project one of the Land Development Agency’s most iconic sites. The experience and contacts that Wellspring had gained on previous projects working with Indigenous people established a basis for honest and trustworthy dialogue between all parties. Wellspring’s ability to accurately interpret the Indigenous and European story of Gubur Dhaura through art is one of the cornerstones of the continuing success of this site as an important place for education of locals and visitors alike.
Testimonial from David Thornhill, Project Director – Gungahlin. ACT Land Development Agency (LDA)
Wellspring Environmental Arts and Design has worked with the LDA on a number of projects in the past years. Their involvement has ranged from concept design, manufacturing to the delivery of landscape elements throughout our residential projects in Gungahlin in particular the Bonner Residential Estate.
Phil and Jennifer’s collaborative approach to understanding our project objectives with the development of ideas and concepts in a professional working relationship with the project team, consultants and contractors ensured the timely delivery of some unique high quality outcomes.
Testimonial from Karin Kemp, Director, Redbox Design Group
Redbox design group has partnered with Wellspring on numerous projects over the years where public art has been integrated with our landscape designs.
Jenni and Phil’s passion for engaging with the public and undertaking thorough research has been an asset in developing site specific works for shopping centres, playspaces, heritage sites and large scale open spaces.
Both artists have a strong sense of the landscape and have worked with us to provide functional and site specific sculpture. These have included engaging play ground items fabricated from new and recycled materials, decorative pre cast concrete walls and seats, impressive steel sculptures and lovely hand crafted tiles.
They are always enthusiastic, even when working to tight time frames, and always bring a positive energy and vibrancy to every project.
Testimonial from Andrew Simon, Chief Executive, Yellow Edge Pty Ltd
Background
Yellow Edge Pty Ltd engaged with Wellspring Art and Design to assist us with the design and implementation of significant aspects of our office fit out. These include conceptualising key symbolic features as part of the fit out design and the actual production and installation of these features in our offices and learning centre
Approach
Wellspring adopted a very collaborative approach right from the start and was very careful to understand our intentions and ambitions. Wellspring spent much time listening to and exploring our needs and furnished concepts and ideas that were very appropriate, creative and practical.
Wellspring were also able to work closely and seamlessly with other professional partners including the architectural firm engaged by Yellow Edge, the fit out project manager, tradespeople and craftspeople and were able to work very well to project deadlines and quality standards.
Outcomes
The artefacts and features of Wellspring’s work on this project are still standing proudly in the Yellow Edge’s office and learning centre. The quality of the work has been outstanding and all features still appear almost brand new, coping well with the heavy usage of the office and learning centre with no difficulty.
The features of Wellspring’s work continue to be the main points of interest for staff and visitors alike and they still add freshness and inspiration to our work and learning environment even after 5 years.
Recommendation
I strongly and emphatically recommend Wellspring Art and Design to any business, community leader or individual seeking to design and install creative and inspiring ideas in their offices, homes or centres of community and public life.
Testimonial from Rebecca Layton, Previous Executive Officer, Pegasus
Pegasus is a not-for-profit community organisation that provides therapeutic, recreational and educational equestrian activities for people with a disability. It operates out of a 40 ha property on the outskirts of Canberra.
Wellspring Environmental Design undertook two key projects with Pegasus in 2009 and 2010. The first was an ambitious landscaping project– the construction of a large sensory garden integrated into the existing features and uses for our Home Paddock. This entrance to our organisation had been left rather bleak after the removal of a large stand of aged Norfolk pines. We were keen to revitalise the space with an attractive, interactive and welcoming environment where our riders, volunteers, staff and visitors could interact, relax, meet and learn.
Phil Nizette was involved in this project from the outset - guiding initial concepts, consulting with stakeholders and project partners, designing landscape plans, sensory features and art installations, making appropriate plant selections and liaising with the landscape firm undertaking construction. Phil’s desire to create a highly functional, community owned space was critical to the success of this project, as was his understanding of the constraints of a not-for-profit organisation. Phil and Jenny’s ability to engage with our stakeholders truly made this a ‘live’ project and their encouragement and sensitivity towards our clients’ involvement in creating elements for the art installations was outstanding. The project was a huge success and has left Pegasus with a bright, inviting and engaging entrance to our facility, which sets the tone for visitors and participants as they arrive.
The success of the landscaping project led on to another ambitious plan to create large outdoor murals to be installed on the external walls of our 90m x 30m indoor riding arena which lies adjacent to the sensory garden. Again, Phil and Jenny were a pleasure to work with on this project, assisting with information for grant applications and acquittals, consulting with our clients to discover the essence of our service and what Pegasus meant to each of them as individuals. From these consultations, Phil and Jenny conducted art workshops with our clients to assist them to draw images of Pegasus. These were then merged and transformed onto giant murals, which our clients helped to paint in a further series of workshops. Phil and Jenny’s inclusive approach was in alignment with Pegasus philosophies and their willingness to create an art feature that allowed people with a very diverse range of ability to participate was outstanding. The end result is an enormous community art installation that depicts the Pegasus experience from a user’s perspective. The inclusion of interactive blackboard panels means that the artwork is constantly evolving as clients continue to add their own impressions to the feature.
I recommend Wellspring as a highly professional, talented, responsive and engaging company to work with. Their work at Pegasus will live on across generations and will brighten the day of many people as they engage with our organisation and participate in our equestrian programs.
Rebecca Layton
Previous Executive Officer
Pegasus
