exposure

This installation imagines a healing journey that explores the sensitive practice of bearing witness within a therapeutic relationship. It draws parallels to the elegant connectedness found in the secret world of trees.

The journey begins with a fractured inner child about to discover the thread that connects them to the supportive ecosystem that will facilitate their healing. The single thread leads to a dense, intertwining mat. The mat is reminiscent of mycelium, the elaborate fungal network that enables trees to communicate and support each other by sharing resources and defences. 

Following the thread, the growing inner child now sits amongst the debris at the base of a large, contorted tree. It is exposed. A comforting witness is present. Together, they examine the intricate beauty of the fallen branches that represent loss and trauma. It is possible to find beauty here in the universal challenges we face as humans.

The mycelium absorbs the nutritive bounty of examined emotions from the fallen branches and carries them to the roots of the second tree. Fortifying it, lending strength and experience to cultivate the growth of the new tree. It stands tall and reaches for the sun. Its abundant foliage shimmers in the breeze, providing shade and protection. Its patterns are resonant of the fallen branches.

The still-present witness relaxes in the cave at the base of the tree as the child triumphantly climbs. When the child reaches the top, they will be able to look down and view the beauty of the ecosystem that supports them. This reflects the perspective that often becomes accessible with healing.

In this work the past, present and future of hurt, healing and hope coexist mirroring our complicated inner lives.

I am inspired by Ramesh Nithiyendran’s revolutionary ceramic sculptures. His enthusiastic and widely varied use of multiple materials liberated my ideas of what I thought was possible with ceramics. The work of Beverly Ayling-Smith prompted me to consider materials that were inherently imbued with meaning to help tell my story. The leaves and bark were created using my old bedsheet. Thus, transforming an item that I shared so intimately with my no-longer partner into something beautiful that causes me to reflect on the relationship with joy and allowing me to carry my learnings forward. Finally, it was Andy Goldsworthy’s work that called me into the bush to find my inspiration.