Artists Concept

THE STORY TELLER

Encapsulating the ambience of the Heritage Trail, is the sculpture of Dame Mary Durack, renowned chronicler of Australian History.

She is engaged in a dialogue with her ' young self' as a child, while taking on the role of ancestor, passing on the history of Western Australia, through her book: The Swan River Saga

As an expression of The Year of The Family this sculpture encompasses the concept of ‘youth and age’’ and the circle of life’ while embodying the principle of teacher and student.

The subject matter and inspiration for the work is Dame Mary Durack, renowned chronicler of Australian history, engaged in a dialogue with her younger self as a child.

As an adult dressed in period costume, she takes on the persona of an ancestor who passes on the family history and stories of life, as women have done from time immemorial.

The two “Marys” share a sense of purpose their attention riveted to each other and the book they hold “To be Heirs Forever” written by Mary Durack.In this book and the accompanying “ The Swan River Saga” play, Mary Durack has captured, through the medium of the Shaw family history, the essence of Perth at the time of early European settlement.
This artwork invites one to sit in the shade of a parasol and reflect on the river, symbol of the passing of time and of life. One can be here at any moment between the past and future and gaze with Mary at the City of Perth on the banks of the Swan River as it grows in stature and time.