Turanga Creek: Wetland

Studio 2023: Conjectural Recordings and Installations Processes.

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Semester 1:

Scorched Silence

The Resilience

Dust I Am Not

Undercurrents

Unguided Endeavor

Semester 2

I have been experimenting with materials that aren’t active conjectural recordings. This research has led my installation into a space of context acknowledgment. Many of the sites I work toward are an expression of the landscape. When I bring in alternate materials such as rope, light fixtures, and audio equipment into a space with collected material – I am providing space for the conversation to happen. Gallery/Indoor context + additional material (host material) + Conjectural recorded material. = THE CROSS DIALOGUE.

I am interested in the way I am navigating Aotearoa as a place of belonging. Asking the question, Do I belong here? Navigating my life here as a 12^th generation New Zealand I am aware of the hate toward British power/white peoples and the hate toward indigenous peoples/Māori. I am uncomfortable trying to articulate a conclusion in my art process or final installation. The art I produce is durational and holds a dialogue of its own. Rather than conclusive, I am facilitating a conversation between the material and the audience. This tool or method of my work means all people can engage. We all carry knowledge and experience differing from each other. In the same way, materials hold their independent memory, knowledge, and experience of the world. Inhuman Animacy is a solidified perspective in my studio practice.

Interest in Pauline Rhodes.

https://michaellett.com/exhibition/pauline-rhodes-2/

Artist: Pauline Rhodes – she is a pakeha working in the land. The way she works often doesn’t quite use collected materials rather she is bringing outside materials to a ‘wild’ landscape –

Rhodes carefully navigates her role in the land. I ought to do the same. Indeed I must remind myself that I am allowed to live in this land. I am allowed to feel I belong here.

For my ancestors too are buried in this land. It’s a life and death ordeal.

Bed Uncovered

Interested in Isadore Vaughan: https://www.isadoravaughan.com/BILIRUBIN-BEZOAR

Stilted Wrack Line

‘Whistling River’

‘Just make art and let them work out if it is good or not. While they do that, keep making art.”

– Andy Warhol.

This quote from Warhol has been a valuable point of encouragement over the last three years. I have continued to make work that pushes the boundaries of artist stereotypes. Pressing into the passions I have for the landscape I give the opportunity to the inhuman material to host a respected conversation with humans. My art practice has evolved over the years. However, there has been a constant love for the land shining throughout it all.

“Trust Yourself Britney!”

These words have been shared by lectures and friends as I navigate my way through the complexities of my artmaking and recordings. I am still on the journey to fully commit to the ideas I find myself holding to. Trusting myself has been an area I have grown in while at art school. The wetlands have provided a space for me to make clear decisions and follow my intuition. I am forever grateful to the land for all it has taught me. Teaching me the value of trust, experience, and time.

Throughout my Installation processes, I have always had a group of artist friends around me as I installed my work. This has been a clear area of importance for me as a maker. The conversation and the questioning that I go through as I create a final installation from cleansing the space to the title of the work are all guided by a collective editing and revising process. This support has also been the push to trust my material sense as I make executive decisions.