Next month I'm heading to the beautiful property of Bundanon, outside of Nowra, that was gifted to Australia courtesy of the generosity and vision of the Boyd family, who have made an indelible mark in the history of Australian art in more ways than one. I'm very grateful to be the recipient of a fully funded residency thanks to the generosity of the donors to this program, and support from Accessible Arts. I'll be joining four other creatives who live with disability for a week to find inspiration from this place and connect with our fellows!
My process of familairising myself with a place is via en plein air exploration in gouche and oils. Following three months of living in the landscape last year, I've developed an interest in working at varying times of the day and evening, to consider the changing mood of a place under different light and weather. I will complete a range of gouache on water colour paper and small paintings in handmade oil and tempera paints, that I will make fresh each day, on plywood. This will continue to develop my enquiry into the nature of the Australian landscape and how this impacts our individual and collective perspectives on our relationship with nature.
As an artist living with physical disabilities, Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and a list of co-morbidities, opportunities like this help to close the gap for those of us who are navigating the financial, social and personal hurdles of disability. I had a ten year break due to my health following completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and commencing my practice.
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