Memory is at the forefront of my practice, reimagining and encapsulating significant fragments of my life. An unusually idyllic period, this body of work is uncovering my childhood in regional coastal Australia and the tactile, site-specific recollections I have associated with this. Layering is echoed throughout the work. Layers of memories, small pieces of a place, a puzzle, that does not entirely fit. I am fascinated with the idea that in our childhood, everything you do is big, everything is big. As an adult, my childhood is small. These small forms, using site-specific copper, are me reimagining a place that connects and contains my memories.
a house built of doors
Copper is an interesting material that provides the basis for this body of work. Not only does it carry a rich history as a material, but it’s also unusual in that it connects me and brings me back to my childhood. Our roof in my home is made of copper and when it rains, when it’s hot, it amplifies the sounds. The weather creates movement in our home. In our childhood, everything you do is big, everything is big. My childhood roots are dug deep in my family home. Nothing and everything has changed. Small doors, steps, windows, and different structures are all different sizes yet small enough to still fit on a shelf. All the pieces are there, just not completely together.
boxes
Creativity and exploration were central to my childhood. Retreating back to these fragments of time, specific objects and sites were anchors for this sense of freedom we experienced. One of my most significant memories revolved around a bookshelf, which consisted of several boxes that we reimagined and constantly shifted. A simple piece of furniture yet it was something that harnessed our stories, our hideaway spots. Now, coincidentally, it stores our memories from our childhood in literal forms, books, photos, and diaries. This work, with copper, is dismantling this object to be small enough to fit on a shelf itself, foreshadowing how we reflect on these fragments of time carried with us.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
