Artist Joel Mitchell with his sculpture in Blackheath. (Photo: Maja Baska)
Story by Hamish Dunlop
Artist Joel Mitchell tells the story behind his public sculpture in Blackheath, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids. He talks about his inspiration, the beauty of intergenerational collaboration and how the artwork, in-situ, invites us to experience the wonder of the natural world.
Key Points:
A new public sculpture, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids, was recently installed in Blackheath and opened at the All About Orchids event in March.
Artists Joel Mitchell hopes his organic, orchid forms will open people to a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature.
The project involved collaboration with artist mentors including local Terrance Plowright OAM, three generations of the Mitchell family, and Joel’s sculpture students at Wycliffe Christian School.
Joel grew up in Springwood but spent much of his childhood exploring the bush around Blackheath. He canyoned and climbed and ultimately became an outdoor guide in the Mountains.
“I’d be climbing on an escarpment and come across a flowering orchid growing out of a crevice,” he says.
“There was a real sense of discovery being in nature and finding beauty in unexpected places.”
Endangered species: Corunastlyis reflexa – Reflexed Midge Orchid, Thelymitra atronidtida – Black Top Sun Orchid and Thelymitra venosa. (Sabine Hanisch)
As a child, he also relished visits to his grandfather’s orchid greenhouse in Earlwood. “I remember seeing him fertilising and watering the plants, really caring for them,” Joel recalls. “And then at a particular time of year, the incredible blooms would emerge. An extravagant kind of beauty just bursting out. It really captured me.”
The invitation
Joel hopes his organic, orchid forms will open people to a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature. “There are so many different habitats and microclimates and interconnections between plant and animal species. I hope my sculpture acts as an invitation for people to explore the natural world. To experience the sense of discovery and beauty I do.”
A detail of the sculpture at night. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Family collaboration
One of the most special elements of the project for Joel was the intergenerational collaboration. “One of the things I love about more substantial projects is the opportunity to connect and work with all sorts of different people you wouldn’t normally have the context to work alongside,” he says.
Joel had hours of conversations with two senior artists, Australian and Blue Mountains local Terrance Plowright OAM and American artist Salem Barker. “Terrance is one of Australia’s great public sculptors,” Joel says. I have huge respect for Salem Barker as well. I was grateful to spend a week with him a couple of years back, learning in his studio. Over the course of this project, I discussed design elements and engineering challenges with them both. It was a valuable process.”
From left: Zac Mitchell, Dan Mitchell, Rob Mitchell, Joel Mitchell and Barry Mitchell. (Maja Baska)
The project engaged members of Joel’s family too, including his son Zac. His cousin Dan Mitchell, a skilled metal fabricator, built a lot of the internal components. His cousin Rob Mitchell designed the lighting and his uncle, Barry Mitchell, built a lot of the circuitry. “It was lovely to have family in the creative space,” Joel explains. “Each person bringing a really valuable skill set.”
Joel’s son Zac is in year 10 and was involved in the project. “It was so special to have Zac as part of the team,” Joel says. “I taught him to weld, and he was involved in the metal fabrication at key points. He made an amazing contribution, and it was wonderful to see him building skills and collaborating. I was able to pay him for some of his work too: another way of recognising the important role he played.”
An artist in residence
Joel in the workshop at Wycliffe Christian School (supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Wycliffe Christian School in Warrimoo provided Joel with an artists’ residency to complete the project. This included a fabrication space and the use of tools and machinery. As a part-time sculpture teacher at the school, Joel was in turn able to provide his students with a unique opportunity.
“I was able to open up the space at lunchtime to a select group of students. They were involved throughout the project: from the conceptual design phase to installation. The students would come in with their boots on, put on protective gear and help at whatever stage the project was at. It was such a special thing to hand on knowledge and skills I’ve been generously given over the years. I hope I’ve helped inspire them to lifelong practices of creating.”
From left: Zac with Joel and two Wycliffe Christian School students hard at work. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Treasures to be experienced
When the work was being installed and the lighting completed, Joel says people came up and were curious about what was happening. “I was very grateful for the people who came and chatted to us,” Joel says. “There was a real sense that people were responding in a deep and reflective way and that they were moved by the sculpture.”
The sculpture at night. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Since the work was installed, there has been a range of community feedback, most of it positive. “There is a lovely layer of symbolism in the artwork’s location near the Blackheath Rotary Clock and Neate Park,” Joel says.
“We live in this extraordinary place, where we come upon special things that can draw us into a deeper relationship with nature. I love the fact that my artwork is one of those treasures to be experienced. I hope it helps connect people with the place we live in.”
All about Orchids
Joel’s sculpture, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids, was launched at the All About Orchids event held in March this year. The event was a collaboration between the Blue Mountains City Council’s (BMCC) Cultural Development Team and Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC). BMCC teams including Bushcare, Planetary Health, and Waterways and Environmental educators, were on hand to share information and field questions.
The wild plant rescue stall at the All About Orchids event. (Maja Baska)
The afternoon included honey tasting, flower-themed face painting, live music, and plant stalls to help you create your own native garden. Locally-based organisations, entertainers, artists and community groups took part. Participants included Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue, Blackheath Horticultural Society, Brooke Face Painting, live music by the Bonnie Doon Duo, Gundungurra artist Kelsie King, children’s entertainer Kate Reid, and artist Freedom Wilson.
The Welcome to Country was given by Gundungurra woman Kelsie King, followed by an introduction by Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill. Joel spoke about the sculpture and the making journey. This was followed by orchid specialists and authors Sabine Hanisch and Ben Jasiak speaking about orchids in the Blue Mountains and surrounds.
Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill introducing the event. (Photo: Hamish Dunlop)
A book about orchids
The second revised edition of Sabine and Ben’s book, Native Orchids of the Blue Mountains and Surrounding Areas was released in 2022. It is the most comprehensive photographic and taxonomic review of local orchids to date. Joel himself was inspired by the diverse range of Blue Mountains orchids that number more than 200 species. This includes Corunastylis reflexa, a species re-discovered after 145 years by Sabine and Ben’s 8-year-old daughter, Arabella Hanisch Jasiak, in 2023.
Ben says that orchids in biodiverse regions like the Blue Mountains are a symbol of resilience and renewal in the face of adversity. “Orchids have a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments. We have seen them colonise new habitats, reclaiming territories once lost to human disturbance, and thriving in unexpected locations.”
Sabine, Ben and their daughter Arabella signing books at All About Orchids (Maja Baska)
Caring for the land is caring for ourselves
Despite this resilience, Sabine and Ben believe orchid conservation requires collective action and responsible land management and use. They think we have something to learn from orchids too: “Let us all draw inspiration from orchids’ tenacity and work together to ensure their survival for generations to come, preserving their beauty and biodiversity for all to enjoy.”
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill expressed his enthusiasm for Joel’s artwork and reiterated the importance of the Greater Blue Mountains Area as a World Heritage site. “We live within an extraordinary region that boasts a diverse tapestry of flora and fauna. Joel’s sculpture is a beautiful reminder of this, to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Blackheath alike.”
Takeaways:
Collaboration and relationships between artists, family, organisations, the Council, community, and the land we live on, creates a richer world for us all.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
📣HEADLINE SPEAKER📣
Our headline speaker is Julian Cribb AM – a renowned Australian science writer, journalist and author who has spent more than 50 years communicating science, agriculture, climate and global sustainability issues. He is the author of several influential books, including The Coming Famine (2010), Food or War (2019) and How to Fix a Broken Planet (2023), which explore the future of food systems, planetary health and humanity`s long-term survival.
He is widely recognised as one of Australia`s leading voices on global food security and sustainable development.
To register for his talk, and view the rest of the program, visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair...
At our next Skill Share Saturdays event on Saturday 5th September, join Laura Zucchetti at 10:30am to learn how to make focaccia from scratch!
Come along for a 90 min class where you`ll mix, rest and stretch your own focaccia dough from start to finish, guided every step of the way. You’ll take home your dough to bake on the day in your own oven.
Sign up to this session, and view the other offerings on the day via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
We are pleased to announce that the program and registration for Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026 is now live!
Follow this link to view the program and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
Key information:
When? Saturday 10 October, 9AM - 4PM
Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba
Who is it for? Families, gardeners, enthusiasts, community groups and businesses, anyone looking to learn about how to be more resilient through local and sustainable food systems.
What to expect? Talks, workshops, demos, market stalls, family activities, music, food
Is there a cost? Entry to the Fair and Markets is free. Talks and workshops are ticketed (both free and paid) and have limited capacity, so please register in advance.
Program highlights:
🌏Headline talk: The age of renewable Food – Julian Cribb AM 🎋Wild edibles foraging workshops – Diego Bonetto, Eat More Weeds 🏞️The importance of bioregions in uncertain times – Rowe Morrow, Permaculture Matters 🥒Home canning and food preservation workshop – Kirsty Berté, Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley 🏡Designing your own Permaculture Property – Leni Nyssen, Alchemy Farms 🍃Utilising what’s in front of you – Uncle Lex, The Ganya Shed 🪱How to worm farm - BMCC 🎸Live music by Olivia Dustmann 🌾Community crop and seed swap
Tickets are limited so please register your place now: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We are also seeking stallholders for the event. If you are a grower, retailer, community organisation or business that would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!...
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Hamish Dunlop is a writer, visual artist and environmentalist. During his career he has worked in communications, as an academic at UNSW and ACU and more recently in the conservation space. He is currently completing a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystems Management. He lives on the bush in Medlow Bath and is a passionate bush walker, gardener and cold-water enthusiast.
Inspired by Norwegian sod roofs, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman built a green roof on his shed. This innovative design significantly reduced stormwater runoff during 2024's heavy rains, potentially by 65 per cent, while also providing excellent insulation and attracting wildlife. The family now fondly refers to their shed as their mini Viking Long House!
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