Inspired by Nature, Grounded in Culture: Celebrating First Nations Creativity at Melbourne Central
Every day, thousands of people pass through Melbourne Central—rushing to class, grabbing coffee, meeting friends. But now, nestled in the heart of the centre, there’s a moment of pause: a striking couch design by proud First Nations artist and RMIT graduate Lucinda Johnson-Cornes.
Inspired by the gum trees of the Macedon Ranges, her work brings story, movement, and Country into the bustle of city life. We sat down with her to learn more about the process, the inspiration, and what it means to see her art in this space.
Can you share the story and inspiration behind your design for Melbourne Central?
I was inspired by the beautiful environment of the Macedon Ranges where I grew up. I was also specifically interested in the pattern of gum tree trunks up close. It's like a collision of so many different colours, shapes and movement when you look closer. I was hoping to capture some of that soft movement and colour variety in the painting.
Could you walk us through your creative process – from initial concept to the final installation?
I really wanted to get my paints back out and do something super intuitive. I already knew I wanted to create something representative of my home area (Macedon Ranges). It was the winter and I had lots of time inside by my heater. So I took that idea of the gum tree trunks and basically sat for a whole day and painted completely intuitively.
What does it mean to you to see your art featured so prominently within the Melbourne Central community?
It's super special. I mean, commuting to uni and to the city I have spent countless hours going through melbourne central. It is such a busy hub of Melbourne life, and knowing the amount of people that pass by and interact with the pieces is so surreal.
Millions of students visit Melbourne Central each year. As an RMIT graduate, what role did the city and Melbourne Central play in your student journey?
Melbourne Central was an everyday occurrence on my way to uni for 4 years, it definitely fully shaped my student experience. I’ve done so much shopping there, spent many free hours and breaks between classes wandering around. The bustle and business getting through the centre and to the trains definitely was an everyday normal thing during uni.
How do you see public spaces like Melbourne Central playing a role in sharing and celebrating First Nations stories and perspectives?
I mean, the sheer amount of people that walk through Melbourne central on a day to day, in itself is an opportunity to bring a huge audience to celebrating First Nations stories & talent. Exposure, especially in the design world, is a huge thing. It can open the doors for many other people.
Storytelling is probably one of the biggest things in my practice
What role does storytelling play in your practice, and how do you hope audiences connect with your work?
Storytelling is probably one of the biggest things in my practice. I love writing and I love weaving a story through all my pieces. It comes very naturally to me. Even the process of creating/painting/making is meditative and tells a story to me, as much as the final pieces does.
What advice would you give to emerging First Nations creatives looking to share their voices through art and design?
Absolutely do it, even if only for yourself. I started painting and drawing and writing from a young age just for myself, as self-expression. I would lose my marbles if I couldn’t have that creative outlet. Just do it for yourself - and people will be drawn to your uniqueness and individuality.
Since completing your studies, what direction is your artistic practice heading in? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about?
I am definitely still exploring where I want my practice to go. Especially after finishing 4 years of uni, it does leave you with that question of ‘What do I actually want to create for myself?”. I want to continue exploring painting, but I can definitely see myself doing more creative and personal writing. It does feel quite freeing at the moment.