ARTIST STATEMENT
The focus for my work is inspired by the impact that blackbirding has had
on the cultural development of Mackay and the surrounding area. The Liechhardt tree, situated on the
Pioneer River, was a key docking point for blackbirding ships which experienced the abhorrent past of
our region's connection to slave labour and abuse. The pieces are heavily
inspired by the untold history of the Leichhardt Tree, and is shared through my perception of the
impact it has had on Mackay and The Pioneer River through a series of resolved work.
ARTWORK PROCESS
Throughout the making process and development of the artwork and its symbolism, I have focused on the representation of personal and cultural contexts regarding Mackay's Blackbirding and the Leichhardt tree. I have explored in depth the significance of the Pioneers river and the Leichhardt trees history in regards to Blackbirding, as this was my focal point for the significance of my works. I have expressed visual metaphor throughout the developing and creating process and have further expressed the artworks metaphor through expressionism. My artworks, from the beginning of the process, have communicated the idea of grief, bareness and detachment.
