Oct 13, 20213 min read

2021 residency in review: Return to turtle swamp

Updated: Nov 14, 2021

The artists of Canaipa Mudlines acknowledge the traditional custodians of Quandamooka country, of which Canaipa Island and the Turtle Swamp wetlands forest is part, and pay our respects, and bow in gratitude, to the elders across time.

Along the Binging Trail, Turtle Swamp Forest

Amidst cancellations and postponements of so many long awaited events, the 2021 Canaipa Mudlines residency went ahead. It hardly seemed possible, but there we all were, in the final week of September, gathered again in collegial alliance, on this beautiful island, wondering what would emerge throughout the coming days along the Binging trail of the Turtle Swamp forest.

We were to be a featured event within the Redland Coast Islands Festival calendar, whose culminating chapter would people the twilight shores of Karragarra Island. This event was put on hold, however, while, much to our joy, the organisers continued to support us, and promote our forest walk.

Was it the chance to get along to something - anything! - that brought so many to the forest entry at the end of Bayswater Road on the afternoon of Sunday, October 3? As we awaited the start of the guided walk, more and more people gathered, most quite unsure what to expect, but braving the unknown and throwing in their lot with a chance at enchantment, against an insistent backdrop of detractors.

It seemed all were duly rewarded. Throughout the walk we saw children and adults alike in animated conversation over playful and mysterious forest offerings, lingering and approaching closely, pointing, marvelling, smiling and whispering. Had we really, after all, in collaboration with this beloved forest, created an opportunity for wonder and delight, for tantalising uncertainty, speculation, and a new way of imagining? Yes!

For the artists involved, the forest laboratory is the heart of the residency, although there is more: conversations in the evenings, reflecting on new discoveries, illuminations, awarenesses that the natural world unfolds when we approach with careful, easy steps and not overburdened by intention. It is the new friendships formed and the learning that happens when we listen to each other, and watch how another watches things, that makes of the residency more than the sum of its parts.

One morning as I repaired once again the constantly collapsing structure I was trying to make from splintered shards of timber - an enterprise that seemed to be addressing the constancy of hope, against irresistible forces - a passer-by passed by with her dog and stopped to talk. Amongst other things, she drew my attention to the paucity of wild flowers in the forest. So little remains, she said. It seemed strange, since we had all been admiring the beautiful and delicate little blossoms, yellow, lilac, white, scattered throughout the forest trails. It was the first I heard of this lost abundance and have since read about the bunches of wild flowers gathered and sold at mainland markets, back in the early days of farming communities. It struck me then that what we saw as so wondrous in the forest, was already a sorrowfully diminished residue of what once was. While troubling, this realisation intensified my appreciation and sense of purpose in this place. It was an alert to the even greater necessity to protect and honour what is. Bringing our gestures lightly into the forest, somehow finding a way to bridge the human culture and nature divide, is our way of establishing and strengthening a positive and protective, yet intimate relationship with the natural world. In particular, this natural world of Canaipa Island.

We gratefully acknowledge Redland City Council and RADF for providing funding for the 2021 Canaipa Mudlines residency.

Participating artists (from back row, left): Tricia Dobson; Danielle Latta; Tania Budd; Julie Menzies; Sandra Pearce; Sylvia Vermaat; Sue Poggioli; Bev Jensen; Hollie Hollie; Pat Zuber; Carol Schwarzman; Ruby Purple; Sharon Jewell; Sandy Ward. (Spring Street Studio exhibition, October 2, 2021).

The forest walk was the culmination of the week-long residency. It was a wonderful turnout on this beautiful Spring day

Forest works

Hollie

Pat Zuber, works on paper on trees

Bev Jensen

Tania Budd

Tricia Dobson

Sharon Jewell

Ruby Purple

Sue Poggioli

Julie Menzies

Danielle Latta

Sylvia Vermaat

Carol Schwarzman

Sandy Ward

Sandra Pearce

Sandra Pearce read her new poem at the forest walk in front of her work, where the poem's words hung on small pieces of paper from the twigs of a tree. It was about letting go, of everything, which left us all with a sense of lightness and calm.

The Spring Street Studio Exhibition: a one night event toward the end of the residency gave artists the opportunity to consider interpreting works for gallery context. Beautiful, spontaneous forms emerged.