How do you describe your own art practice?
My practice is interdisciplinary, I am a postpartum doula and visual artist. Currently I use photography, video, performance, installation, sound and writing to weave my interests of psychological and queer theory, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships and historical references of the domestic to perform/re stage/reimagine the ever-changing environments of our personal lives and intimate relationships and politics.
I am excited by intimacy and sentimentality, and while humour is a big part of who I am, there is an earnestness that is ever-present.
I am currently making work with my sibling which is more theatrically driven and there is lots of play and humour there which is exciting.
Which question or theme is central in your work?
How close can I get before it feels uncomfortable, And what do I do when that discomfort arises?
I like to create spaces in which vulnerability and intimacy feels not only welcomed but innate. Experiencing art and having visceral emotional reactions is beautiful and exciting… how can we cry together?
What was your first experience with art?
My mum is a jewellery designer and dad was a DJ…soo dance party’s to Prince in the living room covered in jewels.
My mum was also a photographer at News Limited in her early twenties working under Rupert Murdoch and she spent a lot of fast past days in the black and white darkroom printing and developing film. She has beautiful silver gelatin prints of Grace Jones and David Bowie that she would show my sibling and I as kids. That definitely sparked my obsession with the darkroom.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
The babies I care for, my family and friends.
And if the ocean is our backdrop then that’s perfection.
What do you need in order to create your work?
A desire to explore an internal experience that continues to slowly arise and brings me to an emotional crossroad or edge/ something to document that / a big conversation/ alone time/ walking in circles while biting my nails.
What work or artist has most recently surprised you?
I saw composer and musician Claire Cross play last night in Melbourne, that was my first encounter of her music and it was hypnotic. Her new album Sleep Cycle is a musical interpretation of the 4 to 5 sleep cycles we move in and out of each night, so I was drifting in between all of that with pleasure. I am so focused on the visual aspects and outcomes of my work, I really enjoy listening to music and experiencing other mediums that allow me to take a break from that.
