River Dweller
‘River Dweller’ personifies the spirit of people, past and present, who have connected with the landscape within the Cooks River catchment.
Thousands of generations have found significance in this environment and although the area has been reshaped over time, the essence of human relationships with it remains powerful.
When I was a child, my mother used to tell me not to play near the river because it was “poisonous”. On a recent visit to this recovering reserve, I was overjoyed and heartened to witness the biota of the Cooks River.
I was struck by the resilience of nature and also of the spirit of the community who are helping their river reemerge from 200 years of degradation.
Terracotta clay forms the underlying foundation that supports the fragile, natural layers of encaustic wax that have been subjected to fire and carving in the ‘River Dweller’ sculpture. This piece reflects contradictions but suggests patience and quiet optimism. At the heart heart of the River Dweller exists a respect for the right of our river to reparation and regeneration and an ongoing commitment to preservation and sustainability.
Terracotta clay and encaustic & oil paint
Height 28cm x Width 18cm x Depth 14 cm
2021
GreenWay Art Prize Finalist 2021
‘River Dweller’ personifies the spirit of people, past and present, who have connected with the landscape within the Cooks River catchment.
Thousands of generations have found significance in this environment and although the area has been reshaped over time, the essence of human relationships with it remains powerful.
When I was a child, my mother used to tell me not to play near the river because it was “poisonous”. On a recent visit to this recovering reserve, I was overjoyed and heartened to witness the biota of the Cooks River.
I was struck by the resilience of nature and also of the spirit of the community who are helping their river reemerge from 200 years of degradation.
Terracotta clay forms the underlying foundation that supports the fragile, natural layers of encaustic wax that have been subjected to fire and carving in the ‘River Dweller’ sculpture. This piece reflects contradictions but suggests patience and quiet optimism. At the heart heart of the River Dweller exists a respect for the right of our river to reparation and regeneration and an ongoing commitment to preservation and sustainability.
Terracotta clay and encaustic & oil paint
Height 28cm x Width 18cm x Depth 14 cm
2021
GreenWay Art Prize Finalist 2021
‘River Dweller’ personifies the spirit of people, past and present, who have connected with the landscape within the Cooks River catchment.
Thousands of generations have found significance in this environment and although the area has been reshaped over time, the essence of human relationships with it remains powerful.
When I was a child, my mother used to tell me not to play near the river because it was “poisonous”. On a recent visit to this recovering reserve, I was overjoyed and heartened to witness the biota of the Cooks River.
I was struck by the resilience of nature and also of the spirit of the community who are helping their river reemerge from 200 years of degradation.
Terracotta clay forms the underlying foundation that supports the fragile, natural layers of encaustic wax that have been subjected to fire and carving in the ‘River Dweller’ sculpture. This piece reflects contradictions but suggests patience and quiet optimism. At the heart heart of the River Dweller exists a respect for the right of our river to reparation and regeneration and an ongoing commitment to preservation and sustainability.
Terracotta clay and encaustic & oil paint
Height 28cm x Width 18cm x Depth 14 cm
2021
GreenWay Art Prize Finalist 2021