Porthole - an opening such as a small window on a ship that provides a limited view to what’s happening outside. It also allows for fresh air and light.
I had the wonderful experience of spending a week afloat on the Hawkesbury River – Dyarubbin, in residence on an old wooden cabin cruiser – Milkwood. It was an opportunity to make art in a quiet way, immersing myself in tidal rhythms and the beauty of this sandstone country.
There were rain showers every day. When they passed over, the sandstone country would dissolve into misty monochromatic forms, the river silver like.
The first few days I was anchored off The Tanks. Like many people I fell in love with the Hawkesbury River railway bridge, with its eight trusses stretching across the water, seemingly floating over tapered sandstone piers. I would hear the rumble of a distant train, then see its flash, before it disappeared into the tunnel, to reappear snaking its way across the water. Rowing along the waterline, Angophoras, stately but gnarled, would lean out towards me. I would find hidden waterfalls to stand under.
The second half of the week, I was anchored in Oporto Bay. Here on low tide, the oyster leases exposed themselves to air and light and the oyster punts would cruise pass up into the bay.
One day, on high tide, I rowed up the mangrove creek where a fresh water stream tumbled down from a rainforest gully. The mangroves seemed so ancient and I disappeared into this primordial world amongst the mist. Another day, with the mullet jumping, one jumped straight into the dory!
For this exhibition, some of the works were created on Milkwood , using my portable press. Others came after, when my press was clamped to a table in an old stationary train carriage. Print making processes are very varied and versatile. I used recycled plastic milk bottles and Tetra Paks to make the plates for the dry point etchings. There was lots of play and experimentation
