d) to visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary. Ricketts was a naturalist and potter who worked and lived on the mountain in the midst of the tall mountain ash. His old home where he lived from 1934 to 1993 and his work studio is now part of Victoria National Parks and absolutely gorgeous to walk around. His sculptures almost blend into their surroundings having been sculpted as if they simply grew naturally out of the side of the mountain. In the cabin that used to be his home there is a video playing of an interview with Ricketts. Matt called him a "nutter" but he was just very, very eccentric.To s
ay he was passionate about what he believed was his purpose in life seems a bit of an understatement. From what he was saying I would think he almost felt his calling a divine one, saving his countries wildlife and righting the wrongs that had been done to the indigenous Australians. He felt like he had been put on earth to protect everything native to Australia.
ay he was passionate about what he believed was his purpose in life seems a bit of an understatement. From what he was saying I would think he almost felt his calling a divine one, saving his countries wildlife and righting the wrongs that had been done to the indigenous Australians. He felt like he had been put on earth to protect everything native to Australia.I thought his enthusiasm was contagious. I think Matt thought he
was a little bit off putting when he was talking about his Lyre bird totem. It is an unusual sight to see a man in his nineties, dressed in a colorful dashiki and green beret get up and start dancing like a bird. He certainly managed to create somewhere beautiful.
was a little bit off putting when he was talking about his Lyre bird totem. It is an unusual sight to see a man in his nineties, dressed in a colorful dashiki and green beret get up and start dancing like a bird. He certainly managed to create somewhere beautiful. Ricketts also spent alot of time in Central Australia with the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte Aboriginal people. The traditions and beliefs of these people whom he considered himself one of vastly influenced his sculpture. Many of Ricketts sculptures re
main in Central Australia near Alice Springs in a bird sanctuary in Pitchi Ritchi.
main in Central Australia near Alice Springs in a bird sanctuary in Pitchi Ritchi.We stopped in for a coffee at a shop called "Touch of Norway". I always stop for anything Norwegian because of my heritage. We talked with the proprietor and her new puppy. She was giving me the lowdown on how to make Fattigmans (a traditional Norwegian cookie that my grandmother used to make) and telling us all about monthly Norwegian lunches that she hosts. Hopefully, Matt and I will be heading back up to the Dandenongs for one of those soon.
