This piece is from Koh Samui (when there were about two huts on it) when I was 13 years old. My parents took my sister out of school and we backpacked around India & South East Asia for 6 months.
I’ve kept it all these years. I remember being enthralled that a piece of food would be handed to me in this vessel. And now all these years later I’m weaving pieces that I hope also enthrall and are treasured.
It’s moments in time that start journeys.
I’m working towards my first solo exhibition in October titled Love.Honour.Cherish and I’m deeply in the process of developing works that time to plan, percolate and then construct.
As a contemporary sculptural basket maker, my work represents the connection and relationship we have with our environment.
The unique beauty that surrounds us – which often we don’t notice.
I harvest plant material and salvage garden ‘waste’ to weave beautiful sculptural baskets and vessels.
With my sculpture I’m drawn to the idea about not buying material for my art, but using found organic material. Most of my work is with palm inflorescence (the large seed pods at the top of palm trees).
Next time you see one of these seed pods (or a piece of bark, a stick or leaf) maybe see something different. See what else it can be.
My weaving also acknowledges and redefines ‘women’s work’ so often dismissed as simply craft and objects that are functional that hold no beauty. My work acknowledges with deep respect the ancient art of weaving and functional pieces that are made with nothing but nimble fingers. Objects that were (and still are) used to feed, clothe and often house so many.
My work adds a contemporary layer to this ancient art form. I have dedicated time and energy in creating sculptures that explore my desire for “colouring outside the lines”.
I also spend time creating ephemeral works as I have an interest in the concept of impermanence within nature, and further, the juxtaposition of society’s current disconnection with nature. I use ephemeral artworks to explore these concepts. The process of disintegration of organic material – and spending a day creating art that is simply left to disintegrate is an integral aspect of this exploration.
So it’s moments in time that start journeys – but it’s also having the patience and dedication to stay with the twists and turns and a deep sense of joy of exploration.
My Love.Honour.Cherish exhibition explores our connection with nature and the juxtaposition of society’s current disconnection with it. Also the need to hold sacred our link to forests, bushland and trees. Our ancestry is so closely connected to the earth and the vines, leaves and plants that grow from it. Love.Honour.Cherish are works to honour and worship the earth beneath our feet, and the new growth that can emerge from it.
More information about the exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/events/820785618017733/
Check out my work at TheArtofWeaving.com.au
