Endure-keepers of the past

I have just placed some pictures of my new work on the blog. Endure-keepers of the past is a work I have done about a dear friend of mine who is fifth generation on the land. This work was inspired by some words she wrote:
"Of the soil, moulded by experience
bent and almost broken by adversity
nurtured by love to grow, blossom and mature
the seeds of wisdom for future generations.
A fifth generation woman of the land."

Women on the land reflect the character of the land itself- diverse, adaptable, strong, persistent, caring, enduring. They are the keepers of past experience and the nourishment for future generations. With this work my aim was to give voice to women on the land highlighting their fragility, strength and resilience. The work is made of handmade paper which I made from grasses and bulrush collected from her property. The shadow was an important part as she is one with the land she has so much love for the land and her connection to it. A rootedness to the earth everything coming back to the soil, connection to her sense of place. The shadow behind her reflecting 5 past generations and she is looking forward to the future. The raindrops in her hand and two suspended under her hand reflect the unpredictable rainfall and diverse impact this has on rural communities. It signifies the hardships and experiences personally endured.  On the base under her feet

I used paper thread  stitching in a circular pattern reflecting the cycles of change, movement year in and out, recurring rhythms of nature. More pics under sculpture.

In difficult times

Currently we are experiencing a very different world with the coronavirus epidemic. I am not working and am isolating at home. I am very blessed to have my art and garden to keep me busy. I am missing my grandchildren terribly but so fortunate to see them on facetime and be able to be safe and well. My heart and thoughts are with those who are experiencing unemployment, loneliness,  loss and grief. It has been heartwarming to see the acts of love and kindness, community and care for one another , humanity united. I make sure everyday I write down three things I am grateful for. I have started these two portraits for the Brisbane Portrait Prize.

 Having lots of struggles but that is always good as i am learning. Keep safe dear friends.

Persistence

 Well when they say a labour of love, they sure mean it. These pants I have made have been one of the most difficult things I have ever attempted. I have learnt through so many mistakes. I am not a sewer but after so many hours of hand sewing I think I am getting the hang of it. I hope persistence has paid off as I had to completely take them apart twice and am nearly happy with them.

The lights for the feet are working so it is starting to come together. My deadline is fast approaching March 3.

Its nice when plans work

 I was unsure how I was going to hide the electrical parts for my sculpture and am using a door as a plinth so have chiseled out a pathway and it has worked. I will enclose the top and paint. Sometimes you never know if something is going to work until you try it.

Progressing slowly

 I feel very blessed to have a small studio space at home. I can pop in when I can and do as much as I can.

 Using the paper thread has been a challenge. I have had to go slowly as it has a tendency to tangle.

I recently returned from the McGregor School in Toowoomba where I did an experimental drawing workshop with Nic Plowman. He is an outstanding teacher , wonderful man and incredible artist. 

There is always lots of problem solving to do and thinking of ways to make it work. I am clearing a space for the lighting cables to go.

A New Year

I have been very blessed spending Christmas and New Year with my family. I hope this year will bring you good health, much happiness, joy and inspiration. I am back into work on my new sculpture. Sewing with the paper thread is quite challenging. I am pre marking the holes with an awl. Two rows down 30 to go.

 I never seem to make it easy for myself. I hope I learn to do this over time. I cant spring up off the floor like I used to.

Adelaide and kangaroo Island

While in Adelaide I was fortunate to see the exceptional Tarnanthi festival of ContemporaryAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art. At the Art Gallery of South Australia. It was truly magnificent

 I fell in love with these beautiful pieces. Above Nongirrna Marawili . Yolnu people, NT born Darrpirra, NT c1938.    Baratjala 2019, Yirrkala, NT earth pigments, recycled print toner pigment on stringy bark.

 Peter Mungkuri . Yankunytjatjara people . SA born Fregon SA 1946.  Punu  (trees ) 2018 Indulkana, SA synthetic polymer, ink on canvas.

Judy Watson. Waanyi people, Qld born Mundubbera Qld 1959. Spine and teeth (mundirri banga mayi  ) 2019 synthetic polymer paint, graphite on canvas.
The Tarnanthi exhibition was absolutely incredible.

The art gallery was also showing the amazing work of Chiharu Shiota born Japan 1972. Absence Embodied 2018 Adelaide wool bronze, plaster steel. The SA collection was wonderful. I got to see lots of amazing works of artists i had studied. Hossien Valamanesh, Rosalie Gascoigne, Fiona Hall John Olsen to name a few. Truly inspirational.


We then were very fortunate to go to kangaroo Island. Such natural beauty.