Yesterday I spent 7 hours gluing protea fluff on to paper in the studio and have still not completed the only artwork I've begun since being on residency. Time flies by at an astonishing rate here when immersed in practice. The day began with some restorative yoga and finished with some sad news. A beloved pet dog of my friend Paul had passed away from a mysterious cause, possibly a snake or spider bite. 'Nina' was a tough pooch and had survived a snake bite once before in my care. We have looked after Nina many times over the years and saw her as part of our family too.
Today, I decided to head out in search of natural materials to the Booderee National Park near Jervis Bay. I scooped up some samples of brilliant white sand at Scottish Rocks beach and Murrays beach before locating the Booderee Botanical Gardens where I sourced gum nuts.
Temperatures hit summer figures but I after feeling the temperature of the ocean, I was not about to strip off and go for a swim.
Bundanon Residency days 4,5 & 6
I had a visit from Maxx and my friend Flic over the weekend which was a great opportunity to leave the Bundanon complex for a day and go tour the surrounding area. About 20 minutes from Nowra is Callala beach which lies within the Jervis Bay national marine park and has fine white sand and is a playground for dogs off leash. Next stop, Kangaroo Valley where we clambered down to the river beneath the Historic Hampden Bridge which is a suspension bridge opened in 1898. It was tempting to hire a canoe but quite frankly, did not have the energy!
On Sundays at the Bundanon Complex, they have open days where you can get access to Arthur Boyds home and studio. Thanks to Erica, our guide, we had an informative look around the property and learnt of the Boyd 'Dynasty', the lineage of creativity which runs through the family. The family home which was completed in 1866 is a 2 storey sandstone home filled with artworks by the Boyds and some Sidney Nolans.
It was farewell to Jess and Sam from the residency who left Sunday. Saturday evening was a farewell feast and included everyone currently on residency. We sat down to a smorgasbord of rice paper rolls, salads, antipasto, falafels, polenta and apple crumble for dessert. Yum.
Bundanon Residency Day 3
Due to poor health, day 3 is cancelled!
Bundanon Residency Day 2
Today began with a short meditation and set up of the studio, some 'morning pages' (a daily writing exercise offered by author Julia Cameron) and a big bowl of cereal.
The studio floor is an asymmetrical palette of past colours laid down by previous artists who work at their craft on the floor. There is something comforting to me being around this evidence of creativity, as if the room itself grants permission to let things 'flow'. All the while I am at my desk, cutting up pieces of paper, devising ways I can have a studio this size when I return to the Blue Mountains. What luxury! The psychological and physical space to create work corresponds to, and governs the type of artwork which may come into this world. A Tiny cramped and windowless studio does not make for very inspiring artwork.
