1. What is something people don’t know about you?
I lived on a little farm as a kid with a pet pig called Rose Pot. I used to ride around on the backs of sheep on the farm. The memory of the rich oils on my hands as I clung tight to their rugged coats is so tangibly vivid. I love the smell of cow poo and freshly cut grass.
2. Tell us about your role as an artist?
To create listening rooms with colour. To create paintings that recognise silence. A refuge. I am receiving some really beautiful letters from folks visiting my current exhibition at Yering Station. I love hearing their own reflections, moving through the works.
3. What has been your most memorable moment as an artist? Why?
There are so many beautiful moments. One of them was a teacher in high school who found me sketching in chemistry class and wrote a letter home to my mum telling her I should change all my classes to art. Growing up small country towns, I had never considered that being an artist was an actual thing. I thought all artists existed in history books. I ran home with the letter in my hand, Mum saw me running towards the house and came out with great concern to the front porch to greet me. She read the letter, wrapped her arms around me and said “Yes.”
That moment changed the trajectory of my life.
4. What do you love most about living in the region?
Water. The constant sound of water. The sound greets you at every turn. With water, comes birds, insects, life. It is a great honour to live amidst such weird and beautiful creatures.
5. What are some of your hobbies?
Gardening is a great hobby. No matter how old I get, whenever I see food magically appear from nowhere in the garden I feel as surprised as the very first time I saw it. A sprig of spinach, a corn of cob. A juicy peach plucked from a tree! What a wonderful world!
6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?
I would like to live to see sacred sites given back to the rightful owners and Aboriginal Elders having the first and final say on the land they have been guardians of for thousands of years. I would like to see more Aboriginal Elders in our schools, educating our kids. More than ever, our children need a true connection to the land and to each other. Our healing begins with an ability to listen to the stores embedded in this beautiful country we share.
7. Who do you admire the most?
My cat, Koyo. She doesn’t bother herself with trivial things. Her life stems from sitting and gently watching the world.
8. Favourite book or movie you recommend?
Hmm. Impossible question! I have quite an eclectic taste. The correspondence between Taigu Ryokan and Teishen, two Zen Poets from the early 18th century, Japan. A spiritual recluse and a buddhist nun sitting together on a mountain… What could possibly happen!?
9. What is an important issue in the region you think needs exposure?
There is some great work being done on building new strategies for landcare and fire management which utilise indigenous practises in todays climate. It’s really inspiring to see these practises being adopted. We are all in awe of our exceptional emergency teams up here on the mountain. If by chance you are one of those good folks happening across this article, Thank you! You are all bloody amazing!
