Artist Statement

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The Download Series explores an emotionally charged scene of storytelling. The teller, shrouded in a deep blue miasma-like cloud, shares her story with an attentive witness in plague doctor garb. This story becomes increasingly defined and lyrical as it unfolds towards its recipient.

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This series was conceived long before Covid-19 descended upon the world, but working on these pieces during isolation gave the themes of infection and protection a somewhat chilling new spin. Extending on my previous work, the imagery draws on popular illustrations depicting plague doctors from 17th Century Europe, in particular the satirical 1656 engraving by Paul Fürst, “Der Doctor Schnabel von Rom.” (“Doctor Beak of Rome”).

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With these works I explore a subjective experience of talking therapy, within the context of treatment for anxiety and depression. I am interested in personal narratives, or the stories we tell to ourselves and others, about ourselves and our experiences.  

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The Memory Items Series recalls a list of words I was asked to memorise as part of a mental status examination some years ago, when I had presented at my local emergency department with severe postnatal anxiety and depression. In my altered state I thought that the doctor had read my mind, and come up with a a list that was specific to me.

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I had been spending much of my time sitting on the sofa feeding my baby, with a GLASS of water ever-present to keep me well hydrated. I also had a PEN and notepaper handy to record the details of feeds and the seemingly endless amount of vital information. As it was summer in Sydney and we lived in a west-facing apartment, there was plenty of SUNLIGHT and I was finding it hard to cope with the heat despite a newly-installed air conditioner. With escalating anxiety, I was becoming increasingly paranoid and was terrified of speaking with complete HONESTY about my difficulty coping.

I was quite proud of my ability to recall the items on the list a few minutes later, despite the fact that everything else was seemingly falling apart.

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