These works are a continued exploration into the aftermath of the South Coast 2019/20 Summer bushfires. This series of works was created using brushes I made from objects found and collected in the bush around the old Moruya tip. The project was an investigation into the Australian bush and how plants and animals adapt to survive. I did not anticipate how my feelings would change as a result of being onsite and physically being impacted by what I saw. Beginning with grief and sadness, then shifting to hope and happiness, as I saw the bush came back to life.
One year on, these artworks celebrate the recovery of the bush and returning of our precious wildlife. Each artwork feature a screen-print of a bird including one of the following: Golden Whistler, Jacky Winter, Eastern Spinebill or a Yellow-faced Honeyeater, as well as the epicormic growth, shooting vibrantly from the blackened tree trunks.
Life After the Wildfires, One Year On, 2021, ink, acrylic screenprint and monotype on paper, 94.5 x 47 cm, 56 x 47cm.