Casting

I started casting my body today for my new work. It is a labour intensive process and pretty messy. I am very fortunate to have my daughter and husband to help me. It is always important for me to have the body represented in my work. For me it carries the trace of memory, lived experience. It is also an ageing body which I love and appreciate. Far from perfect, needing a bit more plaster these days, just honest and real. 
 

Beauty of Ikara- Flinders Ranges National Park

 We have just returned from a short trip to Ikara- Flinders Ranges National park. We drove out from Adelaide. We stayed at Wilpena Pound and were able to do bushwalks everyday. The trees and landscape were inspiring. The colours of the river red gums were beautiful. The stillness and peace was very relaxing, just what I needed.

Papermaking weekend

 

Happy Easter to all. I have been fortunate to have some time to make paper this weekend. It is a big process but I love the tactile quality of the paper. I love the delicate fragility yet strength and resilience. It is worth all the hard work. I am using banana fibre again. The paper will be used to sculpt my new sculpture about memory. There is something in the making , taking apart and re creating. 

Memory

 I am currently preparing paper for my new sculpture. I am using Kozo fibre paper that I have brushed with Konnyaku starch (Momigami.) After I prepared the paste I lightly applied it to both sides of the kozo. Then folded the four corners in and then crumpled and squeezed it, then opened it back out repeating the process over and over. I love this process and  how paper has a memory. There are lots of possibilities for this type of treated paper. It feels like fabric and perfect for my memory project. 

Fabric of life

My new work has started and I am currently sending out my question in the mail to many amazing women who have so generously offered to take part. I am always so grateful for their support. The work is about memory and will include a full body sculpture and the many responses the women provide. It is such an exciting part of the process.
 

Such inspiration : Chiharu Shiota Exhibition at Goma

 What an incredible exhibition currently at Goma. I spent many hours taking in these amazing works, by Chiharu Shiota such an outstanding artist. 

Renewed Energy

 I have been very fortunate to have just spent the last two and a half weeks in the Northern Territory. Visiting Kakadu National Park, Catherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Gunbalanya and  Davidsons Safari lodge Mount Borradaile West Arnhem land. It was truly and amazing trip. So wonderful to connect so deeply with nature, hiking through the magnificent environment trying to take in so many beautiful visual images. The highlight ,seeing incredible Aboriginal paintings at Ubirr and Nourlangie and Mt Borradaile. The serenity was just wonderful. I have come back refreshed  and ready to get into my new work based around memory.