These drawings were done in my home studio while the rubbings were done in stunning virgin scrub in Gumburra [ SE Queensland] during a weekend rite of passage retreat for my eldest grandson. For the rubbings I used Japanese paper and charcoal – easily carried to the camp site – and for the other drawings I continue to experiment with graphite, ink, gesso and charcoal on old dictionary and/or encyclopaedia pages [ 1950’s printing] I occasionally use standard visual diary paper [300gsm.] The green and black ink drawings are of a majestic succulent plant at the door of my studio given to us by my late mother, Myrtle Breen. Following Ketnridge’s lead, I have added red pencil to the smaller gesso and ink drawings. There are 12 drawings in each set except for the black and sepia ones.
The tree rubbings on the retreat were brought about because my usual go-to is to use my iPhone camera to capture images and it was a “no-phone” weekend event! Brilliant! It forced the issue to hold a non-digital memory and to consider other means of mark making. It was an extremely satisfying activity.