Student’s furniture design provides ‘pocket of peace’ at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Student’s furniture design provides ‘pocket of peace’ at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Lucinda Johnson-Cornes’ art practice imbues quietness and provides perspective amid a busy world.

It seems fitting then, that the RMIT student’s flora-inspired textile design will feature at one of the city’s most frenetic locations, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre.

“The works are based on the environment where I grew up. The main print is based on the colours of a gumtree trunk; purple and mauve and green,” the proud Aboriginal woman of Pitjantjatjara descent said.

“I’m really excited about the number of people who are going to see it, I hope they can be little pockets of peace in the shopping centre.”

Lucinda created the designs during an RMIT work placement at Winya, an Indigenous furniture supplier.

“Luci’s involvement in the work placement exceeded expectations,” Winya state manager Justine Davis said.

“It was clear to us that she has a real talent for textile design, and we’re excited to see where her career takes her.”

The designs will initially feature on more than a dozen sofas and armchairs throughout the centre, installed from December.

Reconnecting with culture

Art, music and creativity have long been part of Lucinda’s life. And they are passions she shares with her family.

Painting, in particular, has become a vehicle for self-expression.

“Even though, at first glance, it might not look like my art is telling a story, the whole process is really impactful to me,” she said.

“I think I suffered from imposter syndrome in a lot of different facets of my life. Being at RMIT, and involved in the community, has made me much more confident in myself and more grounded in my identity.”

Lucinda attributes this personal growth to her involvement with Ngarara Willim Centre, which offers services and facilities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at RMIT.

“A lot of things have changed for me, especially because I was connected with the Ngarara Willim Centre, and started connecting with culture.

“That has also helped my mum and family connect with culture as well.”

Graduation just the beginning

When RMIT students gather in gowns and mortar boards at Marvel Stadium in December, Lucinda will be there to herald the end of their studies.

She will tell the cohort about her personal journey – and encourage them to pursue their passion.

“I’m really grateful to have studied at RMIT. So many opportunities have come from here, including my work, career opportunities, great connections, both personal and professional,” she said.

“Graduation is really just the beginning, after all the hard work. The world will just open up to you. I am a big believer in saying yes to all these opportunities and I think doors will naturally open.”

16 December 2024

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16 December 2024

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