Indigenous Woodcraft

The art piece in the picture was created by Uncle Joseph Skeen, a native Australian artist based in Logan City. Joseph comes from one of the first artist families in Australia, representing one of the country's most ancient artistic lineages. His woodcrafts are widely known as shadow boxes. Similar works can be traced back to Cherbourg, France. The process of creating shadow boxes involves encasing a centerpiece, generally a painting, a piece of jewelry, or coins, in wood and glass. When illuminated, light is cast on the artwork from different angles. Today, shadow boxes have become decorative wall hangings for homes.