Dancing Algae IV

Kelp, iron wire, sterling silver.

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Nature is where I feel most at home and at peace, and I immerse myself in it whenever I can. Making this work was born from my wish for truth-listening, understanding, and conciliatory action with Indigenous Australians: the original custodians of this land. This is essential for all our well-being and that of the land and waterways we collectively inhabit.

I hold deep respect for Aboriginal connection and care for country, and for their ancient craft practices and storytelling. My own jewellery practice was born from wanting to tell stories about the microscopic marine world I researched as a scientist, with a view to promoting conversation around conservation.

This body of work combines kelp (a natural, ephemeral material washed up on our shores) with extracted precious and non-precious metal (copper, brass, iron, steel) often repurposed from their intended use. These pieces embody both strength and fragility: qualities that are embedded in all cultures. The visual language of art and craft touches us in all-inclusive ways. Through sharing our art and stories, conversation flows and connection grows. This is precious.

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With permission from the family, I dedicate this work to the memory of Aunty Patsy Cameron whom I had the good fortune to sit and make string with, to chat, to learn from her in person and through her writings. She had such a generous spirit and worked for inclusion via sharing of knowledge in the most humble of ways, epitomised by her instigation and involvement with Mannalargenna Day: a day for everyone to learn and
share culture, held annually since 2015.

15% of sales from this work will be donated to Mannalargenna Day organised by MTWAC. The focus of this year’s event being “Saltwater people – tides of knowledge and kinship”

If you would like to know more, visit
https://mtwac.org.au/community/mannalargenna-day/