In Place, Entwined
In late 2021 I undertook a three-month arts residency in the North Midlands, researching the history of sheep farming and its continuing presence in this region in Western Australia. I came looking for wool and was given so much more. I felt intrinsically at home. Entwined in place, the landscape, and community. A new view of place, of home. An immersive, nuanced sense of belonging.
As a felt artist and maker, I am captivated by the process of transforming loose wool fibres into distinctive sculptural works, entirely by hand. My current work examines notions of landscape, place, temporality and belonging. Natural dyeing and basketry techniques also form part of my practice.
Merino fleece, windfall leaves from the North Midlands region in Western Australia (Eucalyptus rodantha, Eucalyptus loxophleba, Acacia acuminata and Eucalyptus salmonophloia), sasawashi cord, Wet felting, dyeing, twining.
Saltlands Gaze I-VII
Saltlands Rising I-VII was inspired by an extended stay in the North Midlands region of Western Australia, a vast yet sparsely populated area where sand plains, farmland and undulating hills are set against an ancient salt lakes system that permeates the region for hundreds of miles.
My travels through the salt lakes landscape was awe-inspiring and mesmerising. Startling in its raw beauty, I viewed the shimmering expanse, the rippling textures and intensity, like cracks meandering. Holding my gaze.
Fine merino wool, various fibres (silk, cotton, nettle, wool nepps), mulberry bark, cotton muslin, silk gauze, wool knitwear, various yarns & threads (paper, hemp, linen, cotton, wool, silk). Wet felting, hand-stitching.
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