This painting is informed by a dream I had while
on route to Kangaroo Island in SA. When
I reached my destination I learned that several Aboriginal dreaming stories for
the area are about female wallabies and the Seven Sisters star
constellation. My trip and learning
about these stories has had a profound influence on my thinking about and
relating to the Australian landscape.
While this journey has been very personal, I am also aware of the
importance of modern Australians coming to terms with the ancient Aboriginal
cultural heritage and stories of this country.
In addition to respecting Australia’s first people, it is also important
for non-aboriginal peoples’ sense of connectedness to this land as home. During my counselling studies I learned that
most non-aboriginal people living in Australia mostly dream of landscapes from
their ancestors’ country of origin; and that this is true even for people whose
families have been here for many generations.
This to me suggests how ‘young’ we are as a nation, and in our relating
to this land and its’ flora and fauna.
My hope is that we continue to be ‘free’ enough to deepen our relationship
with the landscape of Australia.
