Creative happenings

It has been a long time between posts and it feels a a bit strange to be coming back to posting about my work/life. Perhaps once I get a bit more flow around writing again I will post a longer update.

For this post, just a few updates about events and happenings.

Bribie Island Nature Festival

The inaugural Bribie Island Nature Festival is happening 20-22 October thanks to the hard work and vision of Libby Anstis, Erica Hart, Michelle Watson and others.

Treecreate is an official supporter of the festival and the Treecreate Studio will be open as part of the Bribie Arts Trail. I will also be facilitating a Treecreative walk on Saturday 21 October. There are still tickets left if you would like to join us for some creativity, mindfulness and deep listening to nature. You can book here: https://events.humanitix.com/treecreative-walkshop

There are lots of other fabulous events so check out the website at https://www.bribieislandnaturefestival.com.au/

Alternative Reality Garden

I am thrilled to be giving a presentation as part of Awhiworld’s Alternative Reality Garden Symposium. I also have some work from my emerging series Passage (more coming soon). Here is a link for more details: https://awhiworld.com/portfolio/alternative-reality-gardening/

Treecreate is a proud partner of Awhiworld and we are looking forward to more collaborations into the future so watch this space!

Urban Natures publication

It is a real honour to be part of the recently released publication:

URBAN NATURES: Living the More-than-Human City, Edited by Ferne Edwards, Lucia Alexandra Popartan and Ida Nilstad Pettersen

https://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/9781805393597

REVIEWS

“This vibrant essay collection takes the study of urban nature in new directions. A series of questions concerning agency, ethics and subjectivity within the more-than-human city are examined through a rich array of interdisciplinary and international contributions.” • Matthew Gandy, University of Cambridge

“This is an admirably wide-ranging collection of case studies … providing a broad state of knowledge snapshotting the politics of the urban green from a critical social science perspective, focusing on the diverse lived experience.” • Franklin Ginn, University of Bristol

DESCRIPTION

Efforts to create greener urban spaces have historically taken many forms, often disorganized and undisciplined. Recently, however, the push towards greener cities has evolved into a more cohesive movement. Drawing from multidisciplinary case studies, Urban Natures examines the possibilities of an ethical lively multi-species city with the understanding that humanity’s relationship to nature is politically constructed. Covering a wide range of sectors, cities, and urban spaces, as well as topics ranging from edible cities to issues of power, and more-than-human methodologies, this volume pushes our imagination of a green urban future.

Work with Paul Brown

Leonardo Journal has also recently published an interview I had with digital arts pioneer and mentor Paul Brown.

From Thought Forms to Art Concret: Tracey M Benson interviews Paul Brown

In this interview the pioneer computational & generative artist Paul Brown discusses his early work from the 1960s and ‘70s. He also describes his influences together with observations about how this early work directed his later career.

We are slowly working towards some other collaborative writing and look forward to seeing what evolves.

Weaving Water @ Yarun

The biggest project that has taken my attention this year is an ArtSci residency for November. Weaving Water @ Yarun. We have confirmed participants from the fields of science, law, museums management, visual arts, sound art and digital arts. They will be coming from the USA, Europe, Aotearoa NZ, Vanuatu and interstate. 

Our First Nations representatives include Bundjalung, Wiradjuri, Waka Waka and Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi from Australia, an Elder from Vanuatu and a cohort of Māori artists from Aotearoa New Zealand.

A big shout out to Tas Winkler, Michelle Watson, Rebecca Thompson, Martin Drury, Christal Clashing and Nina Czegledy for your collaboration and support. It takes a village ❤

Summary

Well, let me just say life on the island is not dull! What I have definitely noticed is I don’t write as much as I used to when we lived in Canberra. Why? I think that the weather here is much more amenable to being outside for a start. The other reason would have to be the amazing community and the friendships that are evolving – all make my heart sing!

More soon ❤