Paradise Project, 2026

In September 2026, I spent ten wonderful days in Rockhampton working with the local community on PARADISE, a participatory art project exploring the connections between food, memory, culture and belonging.

Food carries memories of childhood, family, home and the people we love. Through PARADISE, I invited participants to explore these connections by creating their own Food Guardians, small textile sculptures inspired by meaningful foods and personal stories.

Over five days, I led ten workshops with around 60 participants from different backgrounds and generations, including members of Multicultural Rockhampton and residents of local aged-care homes.

The stories shared during the workshops included memories of family meals, childhood favourites, cultural traditions and foods that reminded people of home. Some stories were joyful and funny, while others spoke of migration, loss and the people we miss.

Using donated textiles and simple sewing techniques, participants transformed these memories into colourful Food Guardians, each with its own personality and story.

One of the most rewarding parts of the project was seeing people connect through making and storytelling. Some participants visited the museum for the first time, while others returned with friends and family to proudly share their creations.

The completed Food Guardians were brought together in an installation at Rockhampton Museum of Art, displayed alongside my touring exhibition re/JOY. Together, they celebrated the power of food to connect us across cultures, generations and experiences.

I am grateful to everyone who joined the workshops, shared their stories and helped bring PARADISE to life. Each Food Guardian is a small reminder that our memories, traditions and personal stories are worth celebrating.

PARADISE was supported by NAVA through the Carstairs Grant.