Artist Statement
Originally created for Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Girra exhibition. Inspired by K’Gari, the sand island in which together with Moreton Island in the south, forms one of the largest geological sand systems. constantly changing and evolving from pressure of the tides and coastal currents, The local Butchella people call this place and its whole essence, “GIRRA” the word for sand which they see as a force or glue that holds the land and its people together.
My intent was create a postcard evoking shared childhood memories of sand holidays.
Richly layered with contrasting elements of stillness and movement.
Complex colour in the top thirds shift to simple positive element blues creating drama and storytelling.
TECNICAL DETAILS
4′ x 3′ acrylic and mixed media on wooden panel, contemporary Tasmanian oak frame
Collage papers include:
Pages from The Endeavour journals, regional travel brochures, the periodic table, hand-written musical notation; Clive James “Unreliable Memoirs” cover.
INSPIRATION
We sailed the sandy straights and anchored Island Girl in the lee of K’Gari. It shares the same stillness and energy of Uluru. Near-perfect vertical stands of tea-trees are dwarfed by the rising dunes behind them. Shallows are silky green and clear. Sands vary in colour from pinks through to ochres and rich reds. 4WDs shoot out of the RORO ferry from Inskip Point, then dart away along the beach to camp behind the dunes and fish for days. A dingo howls at night. Migrating whales raise their babies in the safe shallow waters of the wine-glass shaped bay.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND GRATITUDE
It is appropriate and with great respect to acknowledge the ongoing connection to country of the local Butchella people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which this work is based.
I further pay my respects to their Elders past, present and future, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coastal peoples.