BURNED:
"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell" - Joan Crawford Acrylic on linen canvas. 76.2 × 76.2cm.
TRAPPED:
An unpleasant situation in which you lack freedom and feel you can't escape from. Trick or deceive one into something contrary to their interests or intentions. Acrylic on cotton canvas. 71.1 × 71.1cm.
WATER & LIGHT:
Unifies all life on planet earth for all depends on it for survival..... as a matter, matrix, mother and medium. Acrylic on linen canvas. 76.2 × 101.6cm.
FINE LINE:
A balancing act; a narrow division between two similar things, one of which is more ideal than the other. Acrylic and sand on linen canvas. 76.2 × 101.6cm
FREN.ZI':
A condition of great excitement and confusion. A fierce competition with those who want the same thing. Acrylic on linen canvas. 76.2x76.2cm. SOLD
SPIRIT BIRD:
"You need Eagle wings to get over things that make no sense in this world”
- Tom Petty. Acrylic or Ochre on linen canvas 76.2x76.2cm. RESERVED.
WHITE WASH:
An attempt to stop people finding out the true facts of a situation. To alter…in a way that favours, features or caters to white people. Ochre and Acrylic on linen canvas. 76.2x101.6cm. Ochre sourced with permission. SOLD
ESCAPISM
Distracting the mind from reality or unpleasant emotions. Sometimes we need the fantasy to escape the reality. ‘‘Over the horizon, we find our lost life’’ - Alice Azim. Acrylic on linen canvas. 16 inch x 16 inch. Entry for the Arthead blue square art competition.
A COOL BURN:
Don’t be fooled by the packaging. Narcissistic Love…the dark side of fairy tales. ‘‘Courage is fire and bullying in smoke’’ - Benjamin Disraeli. Acrylic on linen canvas with floating frame. 76x76cm. Not currently for sale.
KLEPTOMANIAC LOVE ARCHITECTS:
One should feel safe in their bower. However trickery and seductive techniques can lead to dangerous consequences. They will display, they will dance and they will also steal your confidence …even your life. These paintings represent the male and female colours of the fascinating Satin Bowerbird and are presented side by side in a 55x39cm diptych frame. Acrylic on cotton canvas.
POISONED:
It is said that the arsenic, used to poison Aboriginal people, created such a thirst that it forced them to find the closest water source, usually a nearby river, where they drowned from the effects of the poisoning. White ochre is used in this work to represent the arsenic laced flour within the waterways. In an interesting analogy, ochre was traditionally used as a drying agent in wound healing. The ochre was given to the artist at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, ACT.
Acrylic and white ochre on cotton canvas. 76 x76cm
KATI THANDA:
A very special place to the Arabana and Dieri people and plays a central role stories and songlines. The basin has supported Aboriginal people and vice versa as a site of seasonal food production and refuge. The mound springs support rare and endemic species which add further conservation values to this unique aquatic system. Acrylic and white ochre on cotton canvas. 76x76cm
WHITE FELLOW'S FAT THERE:
Fishers Ghost Art Award Entry 2024
These were the words uttered by Aboriginal tracker, Namut Gilbert in 1826, after tasting the puddles on the marshy land of James Worrall’s property. After a few indications, including John Farley’s infamous encounter with Fredrick Fishers Ghost, Gilbert led police to the shalllow grave of Fredrick Fisher. James Worrall was convicted and hung for his death. These circumstances gave rise to the legend of Fisher’s Ghost (Campbelltown City Council 2024).
In this work I wanted to acknowledge the contribution and skill of the Aboriginal tracker, Namut Gilbert, in uncovering the whereabouts of Fred Fisher and ultimately the truth of his demise, by being able to analyse subtle changes in the landscape.
From very early on in Australia’s history, Aboriginal people’s tracking abilities were called upon by government agencies, explorers and surveyors because of their innate knowledge of the land.
Acrylic on cotton canvas.
61cm x 76cm
YVONNE:
This piece is not just an artwork but the memories of eight granddaughters. I didn’t realise how much I needed to paint this. It allowed me to be with her again, to remember her, to hear her, to grieve her. No one could replace her support and her love. Anywhere with grandma was home.
- A topographical map of Tumut, where Yvonne grew up. She would always recall the poplar lined entrance;
- Yellow roses and purple pansies with yellow faces, Yvonne’s favourite flowers which she would also paint in watercolours;
- A thriving maiden hair fern, which had a special spot in the speckled sun near the glass sliding door;
- Earl grey tea, recalled by every granddaughter as a favourite memory;
- Morning fresh dishwashing detergent (lemon), which you could smell in the kitchen when sitting on the stools and having a cup of tea;
- Knitting, a hobby that she kept and persisted with even though she lost her confidence with it towards the end. The knitting also represents the thread of artistic talent that runs through the family because of her influence.
We miss you grandma. Everyday.
SHIFTING SANDS:
A situation that changes so frequently that it’s difficult to deal with. I plant the seeds, I water the plants…..and just when I think I have it all under control….. Acrylic on cotton canvas. 61x76 cm
UNRESOLVED:
When animals ruminate they chew their food over and over before swallowing, whilst humans dwell on the past and engage in repetitive thinking.
Dwelling on the past is human and we have evolved to ruminate to
survive by analysing the past to avoid making future mistakes. The
replay was useful, once upon a time, to be better prepared for next
time. We now have minds that dwell on the past even if there is
nothing useful to gain.
This is a painting of something I keep coming back to, on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Acrylic on cotton canvas.
76x76cm
SPIRIT BIRD:
“You need eagle wings to get over things that make no sense in this world” - quote by Tom Petty. Acrylic and ochre on linen canvas
76.2 x 76.2cm.
RECONCILIATION- It’s not Black and White:
Reconciliation Week is approaching (27 May to 3 June). YES we need to work together towards strengthening our relationships between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australians and Closing the Gap. Not sure how to go about it? Taking steps towards reconciliation is not just for corporate organisations. Start close to home…. Ensuring the safety of our women and children, saying no to family violence, supporting our male youth, addressing our own trauma so that we can then work towards taking meaningful action towards a better future for all of us.
Acrylic on cotton canvas with black floating frame. 76x76cm
*Commissioned artwork for Essence (project management) Reconciliation Action Plan
The ochre used in my artworks is sourced from Wiradjuri Country with permission.