I am exceptionally grateful for the experiences I have been offered throughout the Integral Ecology Fellowship throughout 2024. They have awoken my calling.
As you more than likely realise by now, I could not adequately express myself without creating artwork to communicate this deep and enduring gratitude.
Thank you.
We encompass every element of the cosmos.
Are we able to give voice to the silenced? are we able to break free from the cacophony of commerce and acknowledge the need to heal our corner of the universe?
Can I attune to the planet’s cries and the unheard voices of humanity? To grasp life’s essence, we must decelerate; alter The profound misalignment of consumerism.
The universe’s vast expanse is undeniably magnificent, yet somehow, missed.
'We are a Single, Sacred Community'; I may be a sole thread in this web of life but our power lies in the interconnections. We can become a force of motion to action hope. By focusing within our sphere of influence we can ensure steady, grounded momentum while our long term goals gleam in the distance.
This journey requires a consistent pace—a deliberate commitment to moving slowly, listening deeply, and living with simplicity, elegance, and purpose. The only way to possibly fail on this path is to stop, so I continue to take each step towards our shared vision for change.
I have taken the first steps into Creative Advocacy. This is the space I wish to occupy, to grow, be challenged in, and build to relationships within. I welcome the challenges, lean in to the fear and move forward into my values regardless.
The intricate lines of "Coral Web" entice you into the mesmerising, intricate entanglement. This artwork delves deeply into the profound interconnections that bind all living beings in our delicate planetary ecosystem.
It explores the idea that ecosystems are more than just biological communities; they are living narratives of interaction. Within these intricate networks of life, organisms coexist and harmonize with one another and their environment in a delicate equilibrium.
The complex matrix of lines symbolises the interdependence of all life forms. Each entity plays a crucial role within multiple chains of existence, intricately connecting, influencing, and impacting others. It's a reminder that every action in the natural world triggers a reaction, creating ripples that cascade through the vast web of life.
Through these works, we are gently reminded that we are all part of a single, sacred, community—an interconnected web that extends far beyond the boundaries of individual ecosystems. This encourages us to nurture and protect this intricate fabric of existence.
The overlapping composite structures in "Ghost Coral", an entanglement of ephemeral organic shapes, is formed from the ghostly remnants of a once vibrant coral system. These skeletal, discarded fragments scattered in their millions over beaches, displays the urgent need for our planet's voice to be heard.
In conversation with "Coral Web" the fragile nature of the planetary systems is compounded. We are all interconnected, reliant upon one another for the delicate balance of existence. Yet we are systematically dismantling this intricate web of life. We are poisoning the very essence of the system we depend on for our very survival. Despite our supposed intelligence as a species, this clearly illustrates our capacity for ignorance.
The visual exploration of dead coral, in the face of the looming extinction crisis, demonstrates that the need for action has never been more pressing. We must speak for our planet, for every living being, and for our own future.
"Life Lines" allows us to contemplate the inherent wisdom of nature, rooted in plant life. It draws a parallel between the fleeting human lifespan and enduring existence of the natural world.
These lines, finely etched in the wood, offer insights into layers of influence. They hint at the interplay of each individual life force, and its intricate interaction with every other being.
The intricate linear pattern of the wood, is testament to its fast and slow growth, an enduring record of not only the seasons of growth but also embody its resilience and longevity.
The annual distinction of earlywood and latewood mirrors the influence of environmental conditions on growth – circumstances that humanity now plays a pivotal role in shaping.
Within the complex linear composition, echoes of mountain ranges emerge, creating illusions that simultaneously evoke both the macro and micro aspects of existence. Inviting contemplation of the profound impact of humanity on the planet.
The inability of people to connect with the current state of climate collapse is incomprehensible to me. I am astounded that they will not accept the gravity of the situation and take meaningful action.
Sinking disappointment envelops me when I contemplate the disgraceful state we find ourselves in. I meander through my perspective of reality but for others the option seems to have been removed.
To proceed I immerse myself in periods of meaningful mindfulness and deliberate disconnection. I allow my mind to drift into the ether. My consciousness floats away like rising smoke and disperses into the atmosphere. In that moment, I cease to exist; I become a detached observer. I am both present and absent, a paradox of existence.
There comes a point where I must remind myself to breathe and blink it anchors me and I am drawn back into my body, into the present moment.
"Aqua Flora" celebrates the serene, luminous tones of the natural world. These artworks reference gleaming coastal waterscapes, unfolding the intricate interplay of shimmering, tranquil tones.
As our connection to the land deepens, it becomes clear that each individual element gracefully occupies its own place. Each represents an integral part of the global community; enacting its purpose and harmoniously complementing the whole.
As we navigate our own path, slowly and deliberately, we are able to become attuned to the very essence of the environment. Able to become one with the elements, intimately connecting to their vibrant energy, allowing it to support and propel us forwards.
These compositions invite us to contemplate our individual roles within the broader global community. It highlights the profound embodiment of the interconnectedness of all life; where every element plays a vital part in the symphony of existence.
"Flora" immerses us in a lavish expanse of vibrant, structurally impressive foliage, a testament to the array of astonishing tropical flora. The sheer size and variety of these plants are so mesmerising that they challenge you to question their reality.
This artwork showcases a rich array of linear compositions and vivid colours, magnificently detailed, on the robust and resilient structures of the incredible foliage. It is a celebration of the beauty and intricacy of the natural world, inviting us into the breathtaking wonders it holds.
In the face of the climate collapse, it serves as a powerful reminder of nature's strength and resilience, and the potential for ecological regeneration.
‘Injustice’ encapsulates the immediate sting of racism, which seemed to spray across my personal space upon arrival. The palpable tension, heavy and suffocating in the air, is mirrored by elongated time, magnified by the sheer discomfort of the juncture in the Australian experience.
This artwork vividly portrays the profoundly unsettling collision of cultures, each coexisting in the same place and time but inhabiting vastly different realities.
The tension emanating from the symbolic pattern, pregnant with historical significance, speaks powerfully to the brutal truth of the ongoing systemic disparity that persist in Australia.
My artistic practice is the visual representation of my cognitive and emotional processing of new learning. My production process aims to challenge the conventional understanding of photography as a faithful representation of reality. It explores the role of the viewer in the co-creation of the artwork and cultivation of enhanced visual awareness through challenging the subjective nature of reality.
I draw upon phenomenological theory and Walter Benjamin's concept of the loss of aura in mechanical reproduction to drive my process. Through my artistic process, I invite the audience to question the vulnerability of their own perceptual encounters and the boundaries of observation in addition to the impact of others on their experience.
I employ digital photography and manipulation to create authentic and unique photo-media artworks. Multiple images are digitally manipulated and transformed into composite and often self referential artworks. The tension inherent in the artistic creation process, from manipulation and abstraction to the final digitally constructed, reproducible image, addresses destabilised notions of authenticity, production, and the individual sensory experience of the viewer.
The "Connecting to Country" series emerges from a year-long journey as an Integral Ecology fellow, during which I explored the climate crisis and the sphere of influence I have as a passionate teacher and leader for actioned hope. All the images in this series were made on sites of significance for historical or personal learning of ecological rejuvenation, and mindful connection to Place.
Through the process of photographing elements of these sacred sites, I capture the essence of the connection between the self, land, culture, and natural environment. Using digital manipulation, I transform the photographs into evocative compositions that invite viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between human influence, deep time and the natural environment. The artwork becomes a visual narrative that speaks to the urgent need for collective action and responsibility in addressing the current climate collapse.
Inspired by the artistic practices of our First Peoples of Australia, the oldest living cultural and environmental custodians, I incorporate personal geometric symbolism into my artwork. This symbolism pays homage to the rich traditions and profound connection to the land found within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. By infusing the artwork in my “Dreaming” series with these symbols and motifs, I seek to honour and learn from the wisdom of the First Peoples, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of sustainable coexistence with Country.
The "Connecting to Country" series serves as a call to action, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility we hold as planetary custodians. As a passionate teacher and emerging leader, I strive to use my artistic practice as a tool for interaction, connection, education and advocacy, encouraging others to join the journey towards a more sustainable and harmonious future. Through the power of art and the exploration of integral ecology, I believe we can ignite a collective sense of hope to action and empower individuals to take meaningful change in their own lives and communities.
"Wadawurrong Country" explores contemporary connections to Country. It emphasises the importance of the intricacies of reading the landscape and understanding the language it speaks. The passion, deep knowledge, and ongoing engagement with Community highlight the significance of maintaining this profound connection with the land. Reading the trees, scarred, petrified, flowering, and interpreting the signs embedded within the landscape offer valuable insights into both its history and the actions required to care for it. This artwork also reflects upon the sheer destruction caused by bushfires, floods, and droughts on this Country. It serves as a poignant reminder that these events may have been prevented if we had heeded the wisdom of the Indigenous custodians who have nurtured and protected this land since time immemorial. By embracing a broader scope of knowledge and understanding our place within the panorama of this work, we are compelled to take proactive steps towards preserving and honouring the land for future generations.
"Coal Loader" depicts the evolution of a former coal loader site into a space of regeneration, community education, and growth. The tunnels that remain beneath the land serve as enduring reminders of the destructive practices of fossil fuel transportation. Despite these challenges, the texture of the stone captures a certain beauty, symbolising the time taken to both construct and dismantle the rock face. The site holds great significance, highlighting the contrast between the years of environmental harm caused by fossil fuel transportation and the ongoing efforts to conserve and restore the land.
This site is remarkable in the unwavering dedication and integrity of those involved in its conservation. Their journey has been marked by challenges and ongoing learning, continuously driven by a positive intent. They embody the values of resilience and environmental stewardship, using the site's past mistakes as catalysts for growth and education. This artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own role in caring for the land and to join this transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.
The artwork "The Rocks" delves into deep, intense pain, a raw and ripping sensation that tugs at my being, all while knowing that so many others are still in pain and that injustice continues to prevail. The consolidation of the intense learning over weeks reveals the truth of the climate crisis and the blatant misuse and disrespect of our country, which grates against my conscience. It is simply wrong, utterly and completely wrong. The frustration and the reality of the situation are almost unfathomable.
My first priority becomes how I personally deal with it, and then it extends to how I can lead others in this space. How do I spread hope and provide support? The connection to the land upon which the NSW gallery stands feels wrong, and the entire area of The Rocks carries a sense of discomfort and discombobulation. I love Sydney, but there is a lingering pain, an unsettled feeling. Something is amiss, and I am acutely aware of it, akin to the sensation when you return home and know someone has been in your house.
"Learning from Country" within the "Connecting to Country" series encapsulates the essence of constant learning. As I immerse myself in the sacred sites and engage with the stories and wisdom embedded within the land, my mind swirls with a sense of journey and discovery. I attempt to contextualize and place my experiences within a timeline, only to realize the profound depth of deep time that transcends conventional notions of linear progression. Through this process, I delve into the concept of dreaming, both my own dreams and the collective dreams of humanity, seeking to understand their significance and guidance. Along this path of exploration, I confront stark truths and encounter confrontingly honest learnings that challenge my preconceptions. The scope of knowledge to learn and unlearn can be intimidating, yet I embrace it with humility and a willingness to expand my understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibilities we hold as custodians of the Earth.
The artwork titled "MRC" captures the experience of working in the field of education, where there is a constant rush and a million running thoughts. The never-ending to-do list seems to grow perpetually, with the challenge of catering to the interests of many students at once. This creates a split attention and decision-making process, where the interests of groups often take precedence over the needs of individuals. Amidst this, there are scars that traverse the entire production, highlighting the complex relationship between our work and the Country we occupy. Are our actions merely deflated symbols of action, shadows of possible change, tokenistic attempts? The Welcome to Country, while a start, does not fully address the underlying issues. The acknowledgement of Country can often feel insincere, adding to the unlimited frustrations that arise within this environment.
The individual work titled "Timboon" within the "Connecting to Country" series explores the theme of home, resettlement, safety, and love, juxtaposed with the historical reality of sanctioned culls within my grandparents' generation on this land. Upon inquiry, any memory of the First Peoples becomes an unseen footnote, a past extermination event on their property that was long over. The contrast between the beauty of the country and the dark shadows of its history creates a complex and conflicting narrative. Racism infiltrates conversations, leading to the need for explanations of insults that are difficult to comprehend. Bringing together these conflicting truths within my mind proves to be exceptionally challenging. Deep grief and frustration emerge as I confront the reality of my situation and the powerlessness I feel in the face of larger systemic issues. However, I find solace in refocusing my sphere of influence and working towards manageable, actionable changes.