The story behind Clasp: Where art, care and heritage meet
Created by Australian contemporary artist Donna Marcus, Clasp offers a unique reflection on care and compassion, while paying homage to Midland’s industrial heritage and natural landscape.
L-R: Donna Marcus, the artist behind Clasp, with St John of God Midland Private Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Unwin.
‘Clasp’ by Australian contemporary artist Donna Marcus provides a symbolic interpretation of care, healing, and compassion, standing as a focal point of interest at the main entrance to the new St John of God Midland Private Hospital. Through use of material and form, the ubiquitous and familiar enamel bowl, the artist draws our attention to the rich meanings associated with the enamel bowl across cultures.
The sculptural form holds strong associations with health care and healing from sustenance and washing to holding, carrying, embracing and giving. In Clasp, these everyday acts of care become a powerful reflection of the compassion and tradition of care that sits at the heart of St John of God Health Care.
The enamel bowl itself is an industrious and mass-produced object, which quietly and sensitively recalls the history of machinery, production, pattern and industry associated with the Midland Railway Workshops precinct. The geometric and organic forms of Clasp allude to patterns in nature, native flora and the surrounding landscape of Mandoon Bilya (Helena River).
Through this sculpture, Donna Marcus unites the layers of landscape, heritage and tradition in a unique singular sculptural form. From a distance Clasp stands as a beacon of hope. On closer encounter, the sculpture rewards curiosity, inviting reflection and storytelling.
“As a landmark, Clasp will stand as both meeting point and memory vessel, embodying stories of care, resilience and community while also inviting viewers to share their life stories”