Go placidly(?) Exhibition

“Go placidly(?) amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all people living creatures. Ehrmann’s Desiderata (1927).”

Can we continue to “go placidly” in a human-centered world in the 21^st century? My creative printmaking practice celebrates the beauty and plight of endangered species directly threatened by human inaction and greed. The artworks are given context through the alteration of Max Ehrmann’s words which aim to reflect the contemporary attitudes and behaviours needed to address the effects of over consumption and global warming. The juxtaposition of images and words highlight the complex relationship we humans have with other species and our need to own, exploit, consume and love the natural world to death.

Each artwork depicts a vulnerable or critically endangered animal, bird, reptile, or organism, each representing a cross section of species from a variety of threatened habitats across Australia, and Kenya. The artworks are accompanied by a representation of environmentalists, researchers, activists, and educators playing a vital role in the protection of these endangered species and their environments. Their voices need to be heard and a new manifesto created.

I have included, among others, artworks that highlight the plight of the Western Blue Groper and Queensland Hawksbill turtle, effected by climate change and over fishing in the Spencer Gulf in South Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. I explore the effects of climate change and subsequent fires and floods during 2019-20 on the NSW koala and flying fox populations. Tasmanian mask-faced owls and the Northern Territory’s Great Desert Skinks, effected by feral animals and invasive plants are also included. Drawings created from a recent visit to Kenya has also inspired images that explore the iconic Big Four animals who face ongoing survival challenges related to climate change in an unstable political landscape. The hand and feet of humans have left their traces across the landscape. My artworks are inspired by the beauty and wonder of these creatures combined with body prints representing the ever-present influence of humans that are both perpetrators and saviours.