Gathering
Sarah Duncan
Master of Architecture | University of Newcastle
“Hints of sweetness, of spices, of smoke; roasting apples on the bonfire. Excitement and joy wrapped in comfort and connection,coming together to form home.”
MATERIALS: lomandra+wool+beeswax+essential oils+powdered spices
Artist Statement
My work explores the interplay of memory, connection, and sensory experience through woven form, using natural materials to evoke a journey of reflection. The textures and scents which shape this cluster of Belongings encourage thought via mindful interaction, allowing one to form their own personal meanings through immersion.The memory of my family and friends coming together, of lighting the bonfire and roasting apples, set the foundation for this work and. encapsulates my sense of Country and Home. When forming the piece, I re-created this event, taking note of our movements and the lingering eucalyptus and fruit filled scents. Whilst gathering around the fire with loved ones, I smoke-dried the Lomandra leaves gathered from around my home, allowing the fibres to soak up and embody the occasion.Through these woven belongings, I invite the audience to reconnect with their own memories of shared moments, and encourage reflection around one’s personal meanings of home.
Synopsis
‘Gathering’ explores meanings of home through weaving.The natural fibres of Lomandra have been brought together to create something whole, emulating my memories of coming together around a bonfire with family and friends.The weaving process began by collecting Lomandra leaves from around my home, taking only the ones that the plant gave freely, without needing to cut them. These leaves were then stripped by hand, in preparation for use. The next night I had a small bonfire with loved ones. I expedited the drying of the Lomandra using the smoke and heat of the flames, and we roasted apples over the coals like we used to do growing up. During this process, I took note of the different aspects which made it special to me, with the scents from my home, the fire, and surrounding garden, all coming together to shape the experience.Once the Lomandra was dried, I soaked it in water and began the making process. The bringing together of the fibres in a circular motion gave reference to people’s fluid comings and goings around the central fire, as well as to the connections formed through proximity and conversation. This weaving process for me holds fond memories of craftwork growing up, making it a nostalgic, thoughtful act, and the time spent working with the Lomandra made me gain a further appreciation for the qualities of the plant, with its different strengths and colours.To complete the work, I tested oils and spices found around my house and gathered them together to encapsulate the scents of this experience and my meaning of home.These scents were then infused into wax and wool and used to fill the forms, creating an evocative, multi-sensory artwork.
