Returning River

My studio is situated on a hillside above the Duiwan River in Kanimbla Valley, Gundungurra Country. The Valley was carved and formed by the waters of the river. Negative human influences on this river system have been significant due to contemporary urbanization and mining, but with the closure of power stations and raised environmental awareness, the river is returning. Platypus, eastern water rats and a variety of water bird species have been sighted in larger numbers. The river in Kanimbla flows and swirls around formations of rounded granite rocks that are covered in the delicate. Softly coloured patterns made by lichens. Lichens can be used as a dye and produce shades of permanent colour including red, gold, brown, yellow and purple. The installation Returning River explores the colours of the river lichens as they change through the day, from dawn to dusk, from wet to dry. The presence of lichens indicates the clean air environment of Kanimbla.

My work has been deeply influenced by the extraordinary beauty of my home environment – by the view of the escarpment from my window and by the ever- changing river. To make Returning River I used various –sized metal bowls as the base for the rounded forms of river rocks, which were inspired by the rocks in the Diuwan River. I source woolen  blankets from second –hand  and opportunity shops which I then felt and dye, cut and glue to form my sculptures

I hope my work will draw attention to the necessity of saving these magical First Nation heritage places and of acknowledging the debt and respect  we owe to the Traditional Custodians of the land.