Art residency work in progress
My intention with this residency is to undertake a study of local marine life – fish, shellfish and plants – that may be found in and around the Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park, on the land of the Boon Warrung and Bunurong People of South Gippsland.
This coastal park draws me in. It is an expansive and mesmerising world, a place that most of us hardly know.
Process
Moments wandering within my coastal environment, making markings on paper in the field, gathering bits I find from the sea (or by the sea), gives me my strong sense of connection to the natural world.
My sun speckled drawing board beckons after time spent in the studio fossicking through my collection of found objects. I study the photographs I have taken of things that have captured my attention, while out and about. Sometimes I sneakily gather small cuttings from other people's trees and shrubs, taking with me to later contemplate and inspire.
My focus is to draw attention to the endearing characteristics and intricacies I find in my subject. I observe the textures, shapes, patterns and lines which capture my attention. With grey lead pencil, I work to capture movement through slow intimate scribblings on watercolour paper. Experimenting with negative space compliments my contemporary style, using traditional illustrative practices. Once the composition of the piece is established, I allow myself to get lost in the detail. I then decide whether to walk away from the completed drawing or coat every marking with ink.
