This month, Et al Gallery and Studio in Sandgate will host Heritage Hands, an exhibition that brings together photographic portraits and stories of artisans, including several working in endangered or lesser-known crafts and trades.
The exhibition, running from 5 to 22 February, shines a light on traditional skills passed down through generations and the people behind them, giving visitors insight into the care, precision, deep knowledge and creativity that shape every finished piece.
Heritage Hands is the solo exhibition of Brisbane-based photographer Melissa Hoedel, who documents artisans across Australia, celebrating both traditional and emerging skills and highlighting the people who create, repair and preserve objects that matter, all with a focus on the human stories behind the skilled hands.
“I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, skilled work of makers, those who have learned through apprenticeship, repetition and lived experience, often across generations,” Melissa said. “In an increasingly fast and digital world, these practices are at risk of being lost.
“I hope visitors leave the exhibition with a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, patience and the cultural knowledge embedded in handmade objects, and a deeper awareness of the importance of preserving these skills for future generations.”
Exhibition Highlights and Visitor Information
The exhibition includes an umbrella maker, a natural dyer, a whip maker, a bookbinder, an antique restorer and a wig maker. Each artisan has been photographed in their workspace, where tools, materials and gestures tell the story of their craft. Alongside the photography, visitors can also see examples of the artisans’ craft on display, showing a link between the creative process and the result.
The exhibition, which runs from 5 February to 22 February, is free to attend and marks the start of the ongoing Heritage Hands project, which will continue to document, celebrate and share the stories of artisans and traditional makers across Australia. A book documenting the stories of these artisans is also planned for release.
An opening night will be held at Et al Gallery and Studio on Saturday, 7 February. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5 online or $10 at the door. Book online here.
Learn more about the project here.
Heritage Hands
- Thursday, 5 February to Sunday, 22 February
- Opening night: Saturday, 7 February
- Et al Gallery and Studio
- Shop/10 Fifth Ave, Sandgate
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