Forest Whispers
When trees whisper their secrets, who listens? As an artist making work about the environment, I feel called to bear witness to the trees and forests threatened by logging, environmental destruction and pollution. Trees may help save our planet from destruction. Helping them survive is a reciprocal action.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Like Alice discovering wonderland, I have dropped down the rabbit hole of research into alternative photographic processes. Shocked at my ignorance relating to silver extraction for the photographic industry, I am discovering ‘kitchen compounds’ and botanical processes that promise to be an alternative method of image production.
Never Say Never
Pest or Passion? I’ve had both reactions to the humble blackberry. But never would I have thought it could lead me down an interesting path of discovery about alternative photographic practices. Yet I now find myself regarding this plant with new eyes.
Once in a Blue Moon
I never wanted to be a teacher as I was considered a ‘disruptive’ student even in primary school. So holding a workshop is really a ‘once in a blue moon’ event for me. Yet I did hold one this week as part of my mini artist residency in Mornington, Victoria. I learnt so much from the participants’ creative experiments that I have discovered new techniques for making cyanotype prints.
This Too Shall Pass
Liberation comes in many forms. Mine came from tearing up years of my Morning Pages journals and immersing them in a vat of water ready to turn into paper. Not only the start of a new project but also a new way to look at the impermanence of life. That when things feel too hard to bear, “this too shall pass”.
Stress or Rest
The heart in stress or at rest? When we feel engulfed in chaos, we are challenged to ‘take heart’. On this Australia/Invasion Day in Australia, I am remembering all the protests of the past decades which have resulted in changing government policies or mainstream attitudes. The pictures of my heart remind me of the beating heart of Planet Earth, connecting us all on our one world.
Make a Date (with yourself)
Taking yourself on an artist date is one of the best activities you can do to nourish and nurture your inner artist. I love travelling on ferries so I’m off to Manly to jump aboard the MFF Manly Fast Ferry and fill my sails with salt air. It’s an excuse to deliver my artist book Post Operative to the Manly Library in person as well as share my love of ferry travel with my granddaughter.
Talking Art (and pyjamas)
What do silk pyjamas have to do with a 17th century royal decree in France and how does creating art in artist residencies expand your art practice? I’m talking art and how the stories you tell can connect your artworks with an appreciative audience.
Addiction
What is it like to be addicted? I’m worried that my brain cells are permanently affected. A short attention span and an insatiable appetitive for more. My phone has me in thrall. It’s in my pocket and its calling out to me, come and watch my Reels. Come and loose yourself in my stories. What to do?