Description
Inspiration for my artwork comes from thinking about culture as living, and it is still taught today. Each linocut piece that I carve is a way of practising culture. Although materials and methods have changed, cutting and printing from lino (or vinyl) is a way of passing on traditional knowledge and stories. My upbringing on Horn Island – such as talking with family and friends, discussing hunting and gathering methods and where to find certain foods – also plays a major role in what inspires me. My Printmaking was developed from carving pearl shells and sitting down and watching Alick Tipoti carve his lino prints. He encouraged me to attend TAFE and use my carving skills in another medium – relief printing with lino and vinyl. The simple joy of creating art motivates me. I enjoy building a piece of art bit by bit to depict my stories. I work from home with my partner Brooke Foster who is also an artist; we discuss ideas and put those into action. Patterning in Torres Strait artists’ works is best explained by thinking about the process of carving. The pattern in each artwork is the artist’s own unique style of carving. Although the patterns may look similar, they are all different and unique to the artist. For myself, patterning in each art piece has small variations, depending on the story I am telling. These patterns depict the land, sea, and sky.