Strange Embrace
I have been on a week long residency at Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatvies (BigCi) in rural Australia developing work around the theme of Strange Embrace for the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre (BMCC). Working with 4 other inspiring artists: Cath Barcan, Anne Graham, Astra Howard, and Daniel Kojta, we created a warm and collaborative environment in the serene nature right on the edge of Wollemi National Park. The next stages of this project will be some collaborative action research in the gallery and in the public, culminating in a group show opening at the BMCC city gallery onMay 29th, 2015.
My individual practice there was to explore the theme of Intimacy over Distance, and how we can feel through technology. I created a water drawing as a process ritual, which I then learned is an activity done in public parks in China, and an ancient Zen buddhist gesture. I am astonished at how many of the things that I do with my body intuitively are related to old buddhist traditions. I do not consider myself a buddhist, although I have a meditation practice, but some of the teachings and practices from that tradition emerge instinctually from me.
