Red Gold Exhibition
2017
LOCATION
Janet Clayton Gallery, Paddington
& Gallery 139, Newcastle
Red Gold is an exhibition that delves into the captivating story of the Red Cedar tree, once abundant in the forests stretching from the Illawarra to the Queensland border. Through a combination of monotypes, photo transfers, and encaustic techniques, I’ve worked to capture the unique beauty and significance of this iconic tree, whose wood was once highly prized – so much so that it became known as "Red Gold."
In this exhibition, I’ve tried to capture that memory through a mix of monotypes, photo transfers, and encaustic. The monotypes give me a chance to play with the textures and patterns of the cedar’s bark, translating that intricate detail into prints. The photo transfers are my way of linking the land itself with the tree –showing the changing landscape where the cedar once thrived.
Encaustic, the technique I use with melted beeswax and pigment, is where I really try to preserve something. The wax creates this layering effect, like capturing something that’s fading but still holding on. I love how the warmth of encaustic gives the pieces this glowing, almost living quality, bringing the tree back to life in a different form.
What I hope people take away from Red Gold is a reflection on the tree’s history – the way it shaped both the land and people’s lives. It’s not just about loss, but about remembering and honoring what’s still here, even as the world changes.
