Installation

Overland Track, Kia Ora Hut, Lutruwita/Tasmania
Commission for the Tasmanian Government Public Artsite Scheme

Artist: Alex Miles

Forest Jewels, 2022
1800w x 1000d x 450h mm (large)
800w x 1000d x 450h mm (small)
Dolerite, copper and moss

One of 3 sculptural stone installations developed for the Overland Track, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain Lake St Claire National Park. The works were designed as contemplation points, offering walkers another level of engagement with the environment and creating a sense of arrival/departure at each overnight site.

This work, by Kia Ora Creek, highlights the often unseen world of tiny jewel-like plants and fungi. Made of local dolerite stone with copper and moss inlays from decommissioned hut roof structures. Visitors are encouraged to water the moss as an act of care for the environment.

To see it, walk past Kia Ora hut entry and before you reach the little bridge there is a small side track to the right marked by a stone with moss fronds carve to its surface.