Man will build a mighty dam to hold the river back
And in drought to meet the needs of daily water lack
But when the lightning strikes
And the dark clouds break
And the water falls in torrents
None can hold it back.
In 1974, the Brisbane River flooded, causing great devastation, so the Wivenhoe Dam was built so prevent such a disaster happening again.
In 2011, the Brisbane River flooded, causing great devastation, and the Wivenhoe Dam contributed to the devastation.
In 2022, the Brisbane River flooded, causing great devastation, and the Wivenhoe Dam tried to help, but the water fell in torrents anyway.
Creating The Brisbane
This picture was designed and embroidered after the floods of 2011, not so much as a tribute to the river, but in recognition of the impact the droughts and floods have on this corner of the world. In this fight with nature, it keeps winning.
The reaches of the Brisbane River and it tributaries that flow through the eastern side of Brisbane to the CBD superimpose over the Wivenhoe Dam, the two sources of our joy in times of drought and our devastation in times of flood.
The sun and it’s far-reaching rays represent the droughts, while the layer of rain clouds, the lightning, and the rain denote the floods.
The gum tree and the shadows of the kangaroo and koala acknowledge the flora and fauna that also live in this sun-drenched, water-logged area of South East Queensland.
See the picture in greater detail in the rG Gallery in the Threads – Embroidery Art section.