A new public art installation which pays homage to Sovereign Hills’ natural setting between coast and country has been unveiled at the community’s new town centre.

‘Quiver’ is the product of a collaboration between South Australian independent artists Gregg Mitchell and Quentin Gore at the Sovereign Place Town Centre.

The $150,000 artwork, made from laser cut aluminium sheeting, sits suspended mid-air from the centre’s recycled timber entry arbours, casting dappled sunlight on visitors as they walk below.

“We wanted to make a strong connection between the region’s magnificent coastal environment and hinterland and we did this by blending the cellular structure of a leaf curving into a surfboard shape,” explained Mitchell.

“When Gregg and I first visited the site, the opportunity to utilise the walkway and arbour for a suspended artwork presented itself, added Gore.

“As the hybrid ‘surf-leaves’ concept evolved we built some scale models and noticed that it cast really interesting shadows onto the ground. We are hoping that at certain times of the day the same will happen onsite and this will add another layer of interest to the work.”

Lewis Land Group’s Matt Hills said Quiver was the winner of a public art competition commissioned by Sovereign Place which attracted a diverse range of submissions from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

“What really captured our attention with this piece was the intertwining of the region’s best features – the beautiful coastal waters and the stunning natural woodlands,” commented Mr Hills.

“Lewis Land Group aims to create communities that soak up the sunshine, welcome the fresh air and embrace their scenic surrounds, which made Quiver the perfect fit for the first stage of Sovereign Place.”

The work was rolled and painted to reflect the beautiful aqua blue coastline and vibrant green rainforest and mountain ranges of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

“I thought Quiver was a nice reference to the way leaves move on a tree, but it’s a collection of surfboards so it has double meaning; it’s open to interpretation,” revealed Mitchell.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Group Manager Community Place Lucilla Marshall is excited about the artwork’s impact.

“I believe public art is vital in creating vibrant places and connecting people to place so I am very excited to see the inclusion of art into the Sovereign Place development. This piece will help create a sense of place and draw people in to explore our newest town centre.”

To experience Quiver for yourself, visit the Sovereign Place Town Centre, open seven days on Chancellors Drive, Port Macquarie.