Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Locals supporting artists at the Daughter of the Drift exhibition at Bingil Bay Cafe. Photo Credit: Sian Bantock
Bingil Bay Cafe hosted Ebb Haper’s first solo exhibition at the weekend drawing in locals together for an evening of art, conversation and live music. Guests admired her hand-painted collection while enjoying performances by singer and didgeridoo player StuiHarcourt.
Ebb has carefully curated her artwork to fill the cafe walls with her personality and experiences.
Every brush stroke on canvas, wood or linen tells part of her story and how they came to be in the collection, titled ‘Daughter of the Drift’.
“The collection brings together memory, imagination and discovery” said Ebb Harper
Ebb spent much of her childhood on Moreton Island, wandering barefoot along sandy beaches, collecting shells or dragging home pieces of driftwood. Over time, she picked things she initially liked but found there were hidden stories. A piece of driftwood may have travelled miles from the boat it once belonged to, whilst discarded fishing nets and lost lures invite questions about what happens at sea.
The pieces are unique and often appear raw and rustic, much like how they were originally discovered with little interference from Ebb who celebrates their imperfections.
The collection features driftwood inscribed with names of local towns, hand dyed bags, logbooks inspired by her dad and framed maps that invite curiosity.
“Some works are personal, while others began with old photographs, local histories or stories shared over time.” Ebb said.
“Together they celebrate the people, places and traditions that give our coastline its character”
The collection brought people together to celebrate art culture and storytelling. In many ways the character of the Mission Beach coastline is the vibrancy of the locals who call it home.
“I finally feel like I’ve found my place… I think art helps a lot of people and its certainly helped me, being able to share it with others.”
If there’s one thing that Ebb’s artwork encourages is the importance of being curious and remaining childlike; finding treasures in the everyday object.
Without the support of the local businesses and community, the arts would struggle to thrive.
Bingil Bay Cafe owners Donna and Jeff regularly showcase emerging and established artists.
Ebb also acknowledges Bernard Kc, an artist in his own right and a passionate supporter of his fellow artists throughout the region.
Visitors can view Ebb’s exhibition at Bingil Bay Cafe while enjoying a coffee and grabbing a bite to eat. Ebb’s pieces are available for sale and wherever they find a new home, a new chapter of their story will begin.
Bingil Bay Cafe is located at 29 Bingil Bay Road and you can find more details on Ebb’s work at daughterofthedrift.com.au
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