Space, Heart, Time

Summer Projects VI
31st January - 24th February 2019
Boom Gallery Group Show

'Surrounded by the Score of Deep Time' 2018 94cm x 84cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on raw cotton canvas — *'Surrounded by the Score of Deep Time'* 2018 94cm x 84cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on raw cotton canvas

'Intoxicating Isolation' 2018 64cm x 58cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on raw Belgium Linen — *'Intoxicating Isolation'* 2018 64cm x 58cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on raw Belgium Linen

'Shifting Shades of Ochre in Deep Time' 2018 58cm x 48cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on Belgium Linen — *'Shifting Shades of Ochre in Deep Time'* 2018 58cm x 48cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on Belgium Linen

'Space, Heart, Time' 2018 58cm x 48cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on Belgium Linen — *'Space, Heart, Time'* 2018 58cm x 48cm Acyrlic, charcoal, sand, on Belgium Linen

SPACE, HEART, TIME

Space, Heart, Time is an immediate and instinctive body of work that captures the atmosphere and experience from my recent travels over on the Western Australian ancient Ningaloo Reef desert coast. Painted plein air and on location from our desert camp at Red Bluff, I was drawn to the extensive dune system on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef that took my breath away. The vastness of sand dunes seeped in deep time; full of subtle shades and shifts with an incredible rose peach hue; evidence of the deep red ochre traveled through time.

Spending days immersing myself in this sacred dune landscape, the overwhelming sense of isolation was deeply intoxicating; I am sure knowing there was a way home made it so alluring; yet this experience of desert life felt so profound, so beautiful, so raw.

Observing the contrasting crystal of the ocean, the life abound along the Ningaloo reef, the light on the dunes, the intense heat soaking up the moisture, the shimmer of the light from the heat as it plays on the horizon; the evidence of life millions of years old preserved in their fragile layers; discovering new perspectives, feeling the hum of nature as it continues to strive; savoring the time for experiential reflection, and connection.

Responding to the landscape immediately within the confines of the desert elements enabled me to capture the raw aching beauty of this stark yet intricate environment. I worked on raw canvas to allow the paint to soak in and capture the intensity of the dry heat. Using sand from the ground to enhance the contrasts, with precious water to move the paint and working fast and instinctively to keep moving through the experience.
I am constantly drawn to landscapes that offer a sense of solitude, majesty, mystery, places that feel removed from the chaos of our current day; they offer a sacred experience; of which as humans crave for a sense of belonging and relief. I felt like I found my Mecca in the desert coast.

I continue to explore our earth as a fragile beauty on the verge of a dystopian relic; using my recent travels through remote Central and Western Australia as inspiration. The stark contrast of the desert coast and Ningaloo Reef; thriving life and remnants of deep time; highlighting the threat of climate change on our fragile and precious environment in the age of Anthropocene.