Negative Space

A further exploration into my Aboriginal identity, consisting in or characterised by the absence rather than the presence of the distinguishing features making me who I am as an artist, mother, wife and woman.
This is a deeply personal collection which identifies for me the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ of life, spirit and connection to Country through both Aboriginal and White Australian eyes.
Of which, I have both.

Most Aboriginal clans and customs are centred around the Matriarchy. The feminine divine, the creator of life, peacemaker, food-finder, child-raiser and camp-maker. Without the feminine energy within a clan there is no sense of balance, and balance is key for Caring for Ngura (Country). It is the feminine balance that creates the most delicate state of sustainability and joy to Ngura and therefore to that Country’s People. These are her gifts.

The Yara are many in number in Eora nation. One such native, the Eucalytpus Pulverulenta, who’s leaves are round and so deliciously fragrant, was an original bush medicine for this area. Leaves were picked and used as antiseptic bed for childbirth or wounds. The sap, which becomes dry and hard is then ground down into a powder and spread over wounds, sores and tooth aches. 

We Gadi were almost entirely extinguished, but our resilience, strength and ability to survive at all odds provides me as an artist some of my most fertile inspiration. From but few descendants we are here on Country proudly today advocating for our Culture.

It’s a cliche, but from little things, big things grow.

We Gadi were almost entirely extinguished, but our resilience, strength and ability to survive at all odds provides me as an artist some of my most fertile inspiration. From but few descendants we are here on Country proudly today advocating for our Culture.

It’s a cliche, but from little things, big things grow.

Yarra, particularly the Yarra now called Eucalyptus pulverulenta was used by the Gadi as the antiseptic and anaesthetic cure-all. It’s long stems filled with silver blue heart shaped leaves were collected by women and laid in saltwater birthing places. This would ensure a clean and sterilised birthing situation and reduce risks of post-part I’m infection.

The tree itself emits a beautiful red crystal looking sap. When the tree is ‘bled’ the sap was lead to harden on a rock, turning it to a stone. This was then grind down into powder and applied to any all open would to avoid infection. There is evidence of this method being the sole antiseptic and anaesthetic used in the Sydney regions tooth evolution ceremonies and in keeping cicatrices scars clean.

The Yarra are many in number in Eora Nation. One such native, the Eucalyptus Pulverulenta, whose leaves are round and sometimes appear heart shaped, are deliciously fragrant and an original bush medicine for this area. Leaves were picked and used as an antiseptic bed for childbirth and to dress wounds. The sap, which becomes dry and hard, is then ground down into a powder and spread over wounds, sores and even toothaches. This healing plant is just one way our people connect to Country in this area. 

This painting is washed with locally foraged Gadigal ochre and overlaid with tiny dots representative of the movement of my people and our spirit of being connected to Country. 

Foreign friends have often remarked to me in how strange they find it that our trees shed their bark.  Our great Yarra (eucalyptus/gum) tell us it’s summer when they crack their outer layer of Bugi like streamers in a ticket-tape parade. It’s like the bark is happily waving to us to venture outside and enjoy the summer sun. 

Working with natural ochres and pigments is a joy. This particular piece has been made using an ochre wash made by me from scratch staring with grinding rocks and finishing in a washed application which leaves the canvas looking like timber. 

She’s a joy!

All living things bifurcate, it is essential for development physically, spiritually and emotionally. A tree does so to reproduce, a person may do so to awaken her identity and seek her destiny.

All living things bifurcate, it is essential for development physically, spiritually and emotionally. A tree does so to reproduce, a person may do so to awaken her identity and seek her destiny.

For living things 'To Grow' new life first we must mature to seed.

For living things 'To Grow' new life first we must mature to seed.

Tree is spirit; and in a similar way to humans, tree needs to shed its unneccessary excesses in order to grow and remain healthy. A physical freeing of spirit. The literal interpretation is native gum bark waste, or is it indeed the excess we must rid ourselves of to move forward?

Tree is spirit; and in a similar way to humans, tree needs to shed its unneccessary excesses in order to grow and remain healthy. A physical freeing of spirit. The literal interpretation is native gum bark waste, or is it indeed the excess we must rid ourselves of to move forward?

The sand spinifex is perhaps at its greatest point of life at death. Dancing freely amongst the dunes, carried only by the sea and the wind, with reckless abandon to the growth cycles nor to the season. To be truly Alive is to be nearing somethings end.

The sand spinifex is perhaps at its greatest point of life at death. Dancing freely amongst the dunes, carried only by the sea and the wind, with reckless abandon to the growth cycles nor to the season. To be truly Alive is to be nearing somethings end.

Adornment and a symbol of beauty in another creatures redundant plume.

Adornment and a symbol of beauty in another creatures redundant plume.