As an Australian Artist, I am always learning and taking inspiration from my surroundings and the Land that I live on. I currently live on the land of the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples and also create art on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
For this exercise, I listened to the audiobook Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta, who discussed Indigenous Knowledge, thinking and methods of communication.
There was one chapter where he discusses the Albino Boy and how those who had done evil had turned into Rocks, and that those rocks hold value and knowledge. This really resonated with me, so I was inspired to paint Redhead Beach near Newcastle. Redhead Beach is on the traditional Lands of the Awabakal people. As I painted this environment, I reflected on my experience, and I was grateful for the experience I had and the knowledge that I had gained sitting there observing my surroundings.
This single piece inspired me to explore the land from which my family is from and the land that I live on today. So I travelled to Coffs Harbour to paint at Gallows Beach, which is on the Land of the Gumbaynggirr peoples. Then I painted Berowra National park on the land of the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples.
I am eternally grateful for the Land that I live on and will always pay my respect to elders past, present, and emerging. Thank you for the knowledge that you’ve passed on by people such as Tyson Yunkaporta, who allow us to start our own relationship with the Land we live on.
Reflection from Redhead Beach
” When I sat down to do this drawing, it was cold, windy and overcast. I sat on the sand in front of this cliff, which demanded everyone’s attention. Seeing this sight in person was overwhelming. It reminded me of Tyson Yunkaporta’s Sand Talk about Albino Boy. About how those who have done evil have turned into rocks. How they hold value and knowledge. As I sat and drew this cliff, I wondered what knowledge this rock held. What evil did it do, and what was learnt from this eternal consequence. I wonder how many have sat where I sit and look in awe at the gradient of colour. While sitting here i realise that despite the strong winds, the waves crashing, and the cold, it stands proud and tall. And in likeness i have sat here for hours drawing this sight. So in a way, I have become like a rock, observing and feeling my surroundings. I am grateful for the knowledge I’ve learnt from this rock. “
My Connection to the Land by Keziah Bailey, guache paint and watercolour pencil on handmade book x 3 2024