Taking Shoes Off

Recently I heard an indigenous woman on ABC RN AWAYE speaking about the importance of “Taking shoes off – standing on country” – lying on country. We are becoming alienated from the natural landscape, there is a need to feel it – listen to it. This work is reminiscent of my experience of wetlands. Scrubland. Sea. Of water-ways. Of salt water. The water’s edge. And big skies. The earth we stand on. I was moved to illustrate my feelings about country through the natural medium of charcoal – the tactile (hands on) process of using sennelier oil crayon/dry pastel & graphite in an attempt to express that same closeness to country. I have been involved with the Nillumbik Reconcilliation Group. Am always passionate about the preservation of our natural environment & what we owe to our indigenous peoples.