Sluggish lizard searching for food in the cold bush during winter.The leaves represent the bush leaves falling to the floor. The stained glass panels represent frost. The fragmented look represents the ground. The use of cooler colours creates the atmosphere of this piece.
Winter is a season of reflection, connection and tranquillity, evoking calmness through light blue and grey colours, reflecting the stillness and quietness of the winter season. The South Eastern stitch technique adds intricate details, symbolizing the intricate thoughts and emotions that arise during introspection. Incorporating emu feathers into my weaving piece further enhances the connection to nature. Emus are known for their ability to forage and survive during the winter months, reminding us of the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability. By including quandong seeds, I’m adding a touch of symbolism to my artwork. Quandong trees are known for the resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, mirroring the strength we find within ourselves during the winter season. Overall, my weaving piece “Bolkatj Bupolga” (cold winter) beautifully captures the essence of hibernation, introversion, introspection and the natural rhythms of the season.
Art Centre notes:
The basket / bag is made of natural raffia / cotton / jute / sea chord.
It is made using a traditional ‘one twist’ method. It has a thin / thick plaited strap and long tassles underneath.
The dyes are commercial and colour fast.
Size of bowl: 9 x 11cm
Length of strap: 50cm
Tassels: 60cm
“Winter’s Veil” is a deeply personal exploration of the interplay between the external environment and internal emotional states. This painting features a figure whose eyes and forehead are enveloped in a swirling galaxy of nebulous thought, serving as a metaphor for depression and the obscuring nature of heavy thoughts. Winter, with its shorter days and harsher weather, often brings a sense of gloom that can exacerbate feelings of melancholy and isolation. The veil of the galaxy represents the clouding of clarity, where the stars signify the myriad of thoughts that can overwhelm and obscure our vision. The cosmic elements symbolize the vast and often chaotic nature of the mind during such times, where every thought feels like a distant star, disconnected and cold. The shrouded eyes suggest a loss of sight—not just in a physical sense but in the ability to perceive hope and light. This blindness reflects the experience of those grappling with depression, where the beauty and vibrancy of life are hidden behind a mask of darkness and confusion. Yet, within the galaxy lies a subtle hint of wonder and infinite possibilities. Glimmers of hope and positivity, excitement and happiness. This duality illustrates the complex nature of human emotions, where even in the depths of despair, there can be moments of awe and the potential for renewal. Winter’s Veil is not just a depiction of struggle but a testament to one’s resilience. It acknowledges the weight of seasonal affective disorder and the broader impact of mental health struggles. I hope to encourage a dialogue about these often hidden experiences.
