Oarsmen on the Parramatta River :: Public Architectural Art on a Pedestrian Bridge
The Bridge of Oars is a pedestrian bridge across the Parramatta River. It connects Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street, Parramatta. During the 20th century, the Greater Public Schools held their Head of the River regatta on the Parramatta River near Parramatta. The architect of the bridge included an array of aluminium oars in the design of the bridge. This public art recalls the heady days when The Kings School of Parramatta and other private schools for boys competed annually.
Our image of the Oars is photographed from an unusual angle and creatively links to the Polynesian concept of the deep sea canoes transporting the gods between earth and sky. When this image was created, we were training leaders from Polynesia (Tonga, Fiji, Nuie, Rotuma, Maohi Nui, Cook Islands and New Zealand) in formal education programs at a centre in Parramatta. This commemorates those special courses and honours the amazing and courageous leaders whose lives were enriched, and who enriched our lives.
Ryan Tracey has posted a more conventional photo of this bridge: www.flickr.com/photos/ryan2point0/5565925159
We are very proud of this creative image. It is photographed from an unusual angle giving a different perspective; it suggests movement in the sky/water; and it is significant in our lives at the time as we lived and worked in Polynesian culture. Yet it is grounded in Parramatta where we also lived and worked. This is very much an expression of our journey in life.
Oarsmen on the Parramatta River :: Public Architectural Art on a Pedestrian Bridge
The Bridge of Oars is a pedestrian bridge across the Parramatta River. It connects Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street, Parramatta. During the 20th century, the Greater Public Schools held their Head of the River regatta on the Parramatta River near Parramatta. The architect of the bridge included an array of aluminium oars in the design of the bridge. This public art recalls the heady days when The Kings School of Parramatta and other private schools for boys competed annually.
Our image of the Oars is photographed from an unusual angle and creatively links to the Polynesian concept of the deep sea canoes transporting the gods between earth and sky. When this image was created, we were training leaders from Polynesia (Tonga, Fiji, Nuie, Rotuma, Maohi Nui, Cook Islands and New Zealand) in formal education programs at a centre in Parramatta. This commemorates those special courses and honours the amazing and courageous leaders whose lives were enriched, and who enriched our lives.
Ryan Tracey has posted a more conventional photo of this bridge: www.flickr.com/photos/ryan2point0/5565925159
We are very proud of this creative image. It is photographed from an unusual angle giving a different perspective; it suggests movement in the sky/water; and it is significant in our lives at the time as we lived and worked in Polynesian culture. Yet it is grounded in Parramatta where we also lived and worked. This is very much an expression of our journey in life.