The Trees Are Falling Into The Sea
And Other Stories, Part Two
In September 2015, I showed the first of these drawings at The Gatekeepers Cottage at Point Nepean as a result of a short residency. Being immersed in the landscape over the winter, I was able to observe and document ‘an extreme erosion event’ (Parks Victoria beach closure signage). The trees were falling into the sea faster than I could draw or photograph them, it was like walking through the fallen on a battlefield, their bones bleaching white by the waves.
What I am observing is occurring all over the world, this is a result of climate change, human interventions, and more locally, channel deepening, which has dramatically changed the shape and structure of the coastline in Port Phillip Bay,
eroding some parts beyond recognition.
While the installation of drawings at fortyfivedownstairs will mirror plant collection points around Port Phillip Bay, small fragments that have been dislodged from cliffs and embankments, they also refer to all living beings, be they plant, animal or human, or all three at once.
22 August - 2 September 2017
fortyfivedownstairs
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
This project was supported by the City of Melbourne Annual Arts Grants Program.
16 x 12.5cm Chinese ink & watercolour on Arches