Walking into the Landscape 2013
In this series of paintings, my explorations took me through the low-lying hinterland on the north-east side of the Cooks River. Known by its traditional owners as the Gumbramorra Swamp, for thousands of years this area of mudflats and marsh changed shape and size according to season, yet always provided rich habitat for wildlife, and a bountiful food source for Aboriginal people.
To the European settlers, the swamp was unproductive land. Seen as an unhealthy place for habitation, it was used for industry, or workers’ housing. As the swamp was drained over time, the waterways were turned into canals and stormwater channels. Alexandria, Sydenham, Tempe, St Peters, Marrickville: the suburbs with their European names and European architectural styles were constructed on and around the swamp. Yet no matter what is done to the land, water will always find its own way, following its ancient pathways.
Walking into this landscape, these watercourses mapped my journey and shaped my subject matter.
Walking into the Landscape, oil on canvas, 60 x 287
Gumbramarra Swamp, oil on canvas, 84 x 84
Woolshed (Alexandra Canal), oil on canvas, 54 x 137
Slazenger Factory (north east entry to canal), oil on canvas, 50 x 72
Underbelly (Slazenger Factory), oil on canvas, 30 x 38
Sky Mirror: North east entry to canal, oil on canvas, 38 x 30
Morning Light, Alexandra Canal, oil on canvas, 62 x 50
