Dreams Nursed in Darkness, Walking not Falling

Walking, pacing is a meditative activity it stimulates and regulates the heart, it controls rhythmic bodily activity, it reduces stress. In confined circumstances humans and animals occupy time by pacing, it is a relief. This sculptural installation is an expression of an activity I observed when working for the Department of Corrective Services, this was the constant pacing of some of the inmates.

My work has always been in response to places and their inhabitants. I have worked in Gaols, Hospitals, Retirement homes and various city interstices between city buildings occupied by transient residents, and of course education complexes. In 2023 I was invited to take party in an exhibition in Wollonong City Gallery called Dreams made in Darkness which would focus on the gaol experience s of inmates and staff.

My time working as an education officer at Long Bay Gaol made me very aware of inmates walking  the yards to relieve stress and anxiety.  My work Walking not Falling is inspired by the Buddhist notion of walking as meditation:

Standing, walking, sitting or lying down,

As long as one is devoid of torpor,

One would resolve upon this mindfulness

Metta Sutta, verse 9