Current Projects
PhD candidate
I am undertaking a PhD by Research in the School of Communication, Arts and Critical Enquiry at La Trobe University. My Supervisor is Geoffrey Milne.
My exegesis is entitled, ‘Illuminating Arts Practice. Making Large-Scale Arts Projects Beyond the Mainstream'.
I am analysing processes and methods of creating art works which I and other artists use. As part of this study I completed a large scale installation in Federation Square. I was the artistic director and worked in collaboration with twelve artists from ten areas in Victoria from June 27th – July 3rd 2011. Entitled Illuminated By Fire, it was a project for Regional Arts Victoria which presented a cross section of art works on the theme of fire. The PhD is also an opportunity to reflect on my past art works and dissect my methodology of working. The planned conclusion date is February 2014.
Illuminated By Fire
During our week-long residency, which encompassed four day-time panel discussions, four day-time tours of the work with the artists, three night time performances and five days of general exhibition, we estimate that close to 5,000 Melbournians directly engaged with the work. Many were greatly moved by the stories they heard. The project aimed to use arts processes to engage regional communities in a discussion about fire experience in order to develop greater resilience in dealing with the preparations for the annual fire season and in dealing with the aftermath of fire events. We also aimed through the Melbourne exhibition to shift attitudes in the broader community from fire as something to be feared to fire as an essential part of our ongoing survival.We have done this and more – astonishing people with the power of beautiful work to truly create an impact.
Illuminated by Fire was presented in 2011 as part of The Light in Winter at Fed Square.
See Illuminated By Fire at Regional Arts Victoria »
The Baby Show
This is a show which I have written and I perform. It is directed by John Bolton.
It is available for touring in 2012.
It contains stand up comedy, a live Bull Terrier, surrogate parents played by hand knitted nativity puppets, the style is knock-about, funny and a bit harsh. This brashness is interwoven with delicate memories of true family stories of babies and relationships that disappeared and reappeared. My own story. The tone is of laughter, chased and haunted by shadows.
This is a show suitable for an audience of approximately 200. As it is a solo performance with few props, minimal costume and design elements, it is easy to tour.
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