marielle-eva-art

[marielle-eva-art]

I SEA YOU

I was inspired by the idea of creating a mosaic tiled photograph that would capture the beauty and diversity of the marine life. I decided to use a collection of photographs from the SEA SHEPARD Association, an organization that works to protect the oceans and their inhabitants.

I arranged the photos in a way that they would form a whale's eye, as a symbol of the connection between humans and whales.

I titled my project 'I Sea You', as a way of expressing my admiration and gratitude for the work that the SEA SHEPARD Association does, and also as a way of raising awareness about the threats that the ocean faces.

I wanted to show that we are not alone in this planet, and that we have a responsibility to care for the other living beings that share it with us.

[marielle-eva-art]

Dedicating to Practice

Today, I forced myself into the studio to actively perform a meditative and creative process for a new artwork that iteratively included the bodies of water I harvest form the Lakes.

It involved a cermeonial practice that required several steps before the artwork was complete. Firstly, I prepared the space by placing matt in an open space room with a large A1 size white paper on a wooden board, a cushion, two of my large menstrual blood artworks, the 7 bottles of water arrange at the front and a japenese ink pen.

I had set up a timelaspe camera and my friend who volunteered to help assist in documenting the process by taking photographs.

I began my artistic process by paying attention to my breath. I wanted to calm my mind and body before I expressed myself on the paper. I timed my breaths and made them slower and deeper. After 45 minutes of this meditation, I felt ready to start drawing. I used a simple technique of drawing lines from the middle of the page to the edges, alternating between up and down. I synchronized my lines with my breaths, inhaling as I drew up and exhaling as I drew down. This created a rhythmic pattern that helped me enter a trance-like state. Then, I looked at the first bottle of water that I had collected from different places. Each bottle represented a memory and a feeling that I wanted to capture in my art. I focused on the first bottle and recalled the place where I got it. I immersed myself in the emotions and sensations that I experienced there and continued to draw lines with my breaths.

I repeated this process for each bottle, moving along the page until it was full of lines. Each line was a trace of my breath, my memory, and my water. I felt a connection between myself, my art, and the places that inspired me.

[marielle-eva-art]

MY NEW BIBLE!!!

WOW! I am so glad I picked up this book today at the library.

rīvus: A Glossary of Water, 2022 is a book that explores the meanings and metaphors of water in different languages, cultures and disciplines. It is a collection of essays, poems, artworks and interviews that celebrate the diversity and fluidity of water as a source of life, creativity and resistance. As an artist introduced to a new movement of hydrofeminist, I found this book to be inspiring and challenging. It made me reflect on my own relationship with water, both as a material and as a concept, and how it shapes my identity, my work and most of all my politics.

One of the themes that resonated with me the most was the idea of water as a medium of communication and connection. The book shows how water can facilitate dialogue and exchange across boundaries, whether they are geographical, linguistic, cultural or disciplinary. Water can also carry messages and memories, both personal and collective, that can be retrieved, reinterpreted or reimagined. For example, in one of the essays, the author writes about how she uses water as a tool to trace her family history and to reconnect with her ancestors who were enslaved and transported across the Atlantic Ocean. She describes how she collects water samples from different locations and uses them to create soundscapes that evoke the stories and emotions of her past.

Another theme that I found intriguing was the idea of water as a site of contestation and resistance. The book reveals how water can be a source of conflict and injustice, but also of empowerment and solidarity. Water can be exploited, polluted, privatized and commodified by dominant forces, but it can also be reclaimed, protected, shared and celebrated by marginalized communities. For example, in one of the interviews, the artist talks about how she uses water as a medium to challenge the gender norms and stereotypes that oppress women and queer people. She explains how she creates performances and installations that subvert the conventional representations of water as feminine, passive and submissive, and instead present it as powerful, active and rebellious.

rīvus: A Glossary of Water, 2022 is a book that invites us to rethink our relationship with water and to recognize its potential as a creative force and a political agent. It is a book that encourages us to engage with water in multiple ways: to listen to it, to touch it, to play with it, to learn from it, to collaborate with it. It is a book that challenges us to be more attentive, more curious, more respectful and more responsible towards water and towards ourselves.

[marielle-eva-art]

Mediation - Drawing - Brainstomring

Meditation and mark making are two practices that complement each other well. When I meditate, I clear my mind of distractions and focus on my breath. When I draw with inks, I let my hand move freely and spontaneously, creating shapes and patterns that reflect my inner state. I find that both activities help me to relax, express myself and connect with the present moment. Drawing with inks is especially rewarding, as the fluidity and unpredictability of the medium create unexpected and beautiful results.

I enjoyed experimenting with different mediums and mark making techniques today to see how they would interact together on paper. Sometimes I draw with intention, other times I let the ink guide me. Either way, I always feel a sense of joy and satisfaction when I finish a drawing. I could see how there is fluidity and motion occuring within the lines and varying in value creating a dynamic effect.

I was curious about how I could make this method more engaging by using my body as a tool for expression through the medium. For example, I could try some meditation practices that involve movement and breathing while drawing the marks, like the artist John Franzen and Duncan Bullen.

[marielle-eva-art]

ARTIST RESEARCH

After I explored and researched from this text, I came across this one particular artist, Shirazeh Houshiary.

I was inspired by her exhibition 'Breath', which explores the themes of water, meditation and drawing. Her works are delicate and intricate, yet powerful and expressive. She uses water as a medium to create fluid and organic forms, as well as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. Her drawings are like traces of breath, capturing the essence of her inner state. She invites the viewer to meditate on the connection between the visible and the invisible, the material and the spiritual, the self and the other. I felt a sense of awe and wonder as I immersed myself in her artistic vision.

[marielle-eva-art]

Iterative Artworks

After I decided to collect water samples from seven different locations, I created a collection of geographical maps of these sites and edited them to prepare as potential stencils for another artwork. This process of using maps in art raises some questions for me about my motivation and intention.

Am I trying to gain a better understanding of place from a birds eye perscpective? Or am I transforming the shapes of these watersheds into an abstract artwork? Either way, I am defiinetly interested in water, the environment, exploring identity and what it means to be human.

[marielle-eva-art]

GROUP EXHIBITION

The group exhibition task was a challenging but rewarding experience for me as an art student. I learned much about teamwork, organization, communication, art scale, logistics, and professional installation methods and techniques. Working with nine other artists in a small 3m x 3m gallery room with a short time frame was inaccessible. Still, we managed to create a cohesive and engaging exhibition that showcased our individual and collective strengths.

Our group went through several steps to create our exhibition, from coming up with ideas to finding space for the chosen artworks, designing the layout, and putting up the pieces while thinking about visual balance and symmetry. Each step needed us to talk clearly, listen to each other's views and choices, and agree when we had different opinions. We also had to think about the limits of the space and what the audience would want to see. We had to check the different kinds and sizes of work to ensure they would all fit in the room without making it too crowded. This made me look at the floor space and how my installation might work regarding look, meaning, and practicality. Since my artwork was the only one that could change in size, I let everyone else put up their works first. We had to use clever and professional ways to hang, show, plugin, or put up our pieces without ruining the walls or floors and arrange the artwork in a way that would make visual harmony and a clear flow.

The exhibition was a success, both in terms of the installation process and the feedback that was given. We received constructive criticism from our tutors and peers, who pointed out some areas for improvement, which was good. I was proud of what we achieved as a group, and I grew as an artist and as a collaborator. I enjoyed working with my fellow artists, who inspired me with their creativity and passion. This experience prepared me for future opportunities in the art world industry, and I gained knowledge in collaborating with other artists for future group exhibitions.

I received some helpful comments from my colleagues on how to improve my project. They suggested that I should eliminate the extra paper cards that explained more about the water. They thought that these cards might interfere with the viewers' own interpretation of their visual experience with the water. They also thought that this would help me achieve my goal of inviting the audience to connect more with the water and wonder about its origin.

I also spent a bit of time enjoying the playing with the sand that remained on the ground after the installation was removed.

This made me think of this book I recently came across...

[marielle-eva-art]

A Fluid Meeting

The culmination of my project was to collect seven bottles of water from different sites in Southeast Queensland, each holding a vital role in supplying the Brisbane Shire and also representing a distinct aspect of the region's culture and history. I displayed them in a circular formation, along with the clay vessels that I had previously crafted as symbolic forms in holding passing energy. In the middle of the circle, I placed a crystal ball, which symbolized the connection between the past, present, and future of the land and its people. The crystal ball has become a recurring element in my artistic practice, reflecting my interest in exploring the relationships between nature, culture, and time.

I positioned the bottles and clay objects in a circular shape, creating a unified spatial arrangement.

I explored different compositions to create different effects with the water by experimenting with glass bowls of various sizes and shapes to hold the water in.

I also did a thorough investigation of the locations where I collected the water samples and learned about their dimensions and their current water levels. This information helped me to match the bowls and the clay sculptures in the installation, creating an order and a contrast between them.

I wanted to show how each body of water has its own characteristics, such as size, shape, color, and function, that make it unique and essential for the living beings that depend on it. I collected data and information about different bodies of water and used them to create a visual analogy with the different-sized bowls. I then arranged the bowls in a way that showed how they are connected and influenced by each other in a familiar environment. This was my way of expressing the interdependence and harmony of bodies of water in nature.

I experimented with the visual effect of adding a mirror to make the work more appealing. I thought that this extra element might match the reflective aspects of the work, but I did not see how it related to the idea behind it. So I decided to remove it...

[marielle-eva-art]

Connection to Site & Collection of Water

Advancetown Lake, or Hinze Dam, is a tranquil and picturesque location in the Gold Coast hinterland. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and forests and offers many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking. The dam was built in 1976 and enlarged twice, in 1989 and 2011. It provides water supply and flood mitigation for the Gold Coast region. It also generates hydroelectric power and supports environmental flows for the Nerang River.

I was particularly impressed by the engineering features and the environmental benefits of the dam. Advancetown Lake is a place of beauty, tranquility and sustainability. I felt extremely relaxed and refreshed after spending a day there. It was a memorable experience that I will cherish for a long time.

It was the last week before our group exhibition, and I still needed to determine how to use all the water samples I had collected from various bodies of water for my art project. I have been fascinated by the diverse qualities and stories of water, and I want to share my appreciation and awareness with the audience. I want to convey some of its beauty and tranquility in my work, and my creativity will guide me to find the best way to express my vision and engage the viewers with these precious bodies of water in the same way as I do. One of the places that inspired me the most was Advancetown Lake or Hinze Dam. I felt a deep connection with the lake, feeling a sense of its deep history in this vast freshwater source. It was my last body of water to collect for my project.

ADVANCETOWN LAKE

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Connection to Site & Collection of Water

For my project, I needed to collect different water samples from various locations. I planned to go to Hinze Dam in the Gold Coast hinterland for my last location, where I expected to find a pristine and natural water source. But before that, I wanted to contrast it with a sample from the Brisbane River, which is one of the busiest and most polluted waterways in the city. I chose to take the water from the Tangalooma launch dock near the Gateway Motorway Bridge, where I could capture the essence of the river's high activity and energy.

For about 45 minutes, I was in a state of deep meditation before I resumed my trip to the South. I was sitting on the edge, observing the sounds, smells, and sensations of this place. My mindful thoughts then turned into a reflection on the history of the river and its vital role in the future.

The Brisbane River is a living legacy that connects us to our past, present, and future and is more than just a natural feature that flows through the city. From the indigenous Turrbal and Jagera peoples who lived along its banks for thousands of years to the European settlers who arrived in the 19th century and transformed the landscape to the modern metropolis that thrives on its shores today, the river has seen it all. The river has also been a source of life, commerce, culture, and recreation for generations. It has provided water, food, transport, trade, entertainment, and inspiration for countless residents and visitors. It has also faced challenges and disasters, such as floods, pollution, droughts, and development pressures. But through it all, the river has remained resilient and adaptable, reflecting the spirit of the city it nurtures.

The river is not only a part of Brisbane's history but also its future. As the city grows and changes, so does the river. New initiatives and projects are underway to enhance the river's environmental health, social value, and economic potential. The river is also a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and collaboration, as people from diverse backgrounds and interests come together to celebrate and protect this precious resource.

BRISBANE RIVER

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Connection to Site & Collection of Water

Lake Samsonvale is a reservoir that supplies water to Brisbane and its surroundings, but it also offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. I appreciate the balance between nature and human needs that the lake represents.

The lake was a lively place, with various forms of life interacting with each other. A fisherman stood on the shore, casting his line into the water and hoping for a catch. A pelican perched nearby, eyeing the fisherman's bucket and waiting for an opportunity to snatch a fish. The water was rich in nutrients, which supported the growth of algae in the shallow areas. The algae formed a green layer on the water's surface, obscuring the view of the bottom. This made it slightly difficult to collect some clear water samples, so I looked for a spot where the algae was less dense and scooped up some water with a bottle.

One of the things that I like to think about when I'm at the lake is how it was formed. The lake was created in 1976 by damming the North Pine River, which flows from the D'Aguilar Range. The dam was built to prevent flooding and to provide water security for the growing population of Brisbane. The construction of the dam had a significant impact on the environment and the people who lived in the area. Many farms, homes, and historical sites were submerged or relocated, and some wildlife habitats were lost or altered. The lake also changed the flow and quality of the river downstream, affecting the ecosystems and communities that depend on it.

How did the people who were affected by the dam feel about losing their land and their history? How did they adapt to the new situation, and what challenges did they face? I question how they view the lake today, whether they see it as a source of benefit or a reminder of loss. How they balance their needs and values with those of others who use the lake for different purposes.

How will the lake change in the future as climate change and population growth put more pressure on water resources? How will the lake cope with droughts, floods, pollution, and invasive species? How will the management of the lake evolve to address these issues and ensure its sustainability? How will the lake continue to provide water, recreation, and beauty for generations to come?

LAKE SAMSONVALE

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Connection to Site & Collection of Water

My trip to Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam was a rewarding experience. I was fascinated by the diversity of aquatic life that I encountered there, such as pelicans, fish, and kangaroos. I collected water samples from different locations and depths, as well as some shells and sand specimens. I also took some pictures of the lake's features, such as the traces of animals in the sand on the shore. The weather was cloudy, but that did not affect my mood as I enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of the lake, and I felt a connection with nature.

LAKE WIVENHOE

Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam are two remarkable landmarks in the hinterland of South-East Queensland. They are both sources of water supply and recreation for the region, as well as engineering marvels that showcase human ingenuity and resilience.

Lake Wivenhoe is the largest lake in Queensland by capacity, covering an area of 109 square kilometers. It was created by constructing Wivenhoe Dam, which was completed in 1984 to provide flood mitigation and water security for Brisbane and its surroundings. The lake is a serene and scenic spot where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, camping, and birdwatching.

Somerset Dam is located upstream of Wivenhoe Dam on the Stanley River. It was built between 1935 and 1959 as part of the Great Depression relief scheme. It is a heritage-listed site that reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, as well as the challenges and achievements of the workers who built it. The dam also creates Somerset Lake, which is a popular destination for boating, camping, and water sports. I had a great time exploring the lake and admiring the views of the surrounding mountains.

LAKE SOMERSET

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Connection to Site & Collection of Water

I returned to Lake Manchester today to collect another sample of water in a glass bottle to begin my creative watery research project.

I wasn't 100% sure yet as to why I had decided to harvest water from the lakes I'd been visiting, but the act of preserving something vital felt inherently natural intuitively.

Lake Manchester is a hidden gem in the hinterland of South-East Queensland. It is a tranquil spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and hikers. The dam wall is an impressive sight, towering over the calm water and the lush greenery. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus forests, grasslands, and wetlands, home to various wildlife.

I visited the lake on a sunny day in spring, and I was amazed by the diversity of wildlife this place attracts. I walked along the shoreline, admiring the reflections of the clouds and the trees on the water. I saw some pelicans, ducks, and cormorants swimming and diving in the lake and heard the calls of kookaburras, cockatoos, currawongs, and eagles from the trees. I felt a gentle breeze on my face and a sense of peace in my heart, knowing how close this place is to home.

Lake Manchester is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. I can only wonder what history lies here, the ancestors that sat at the very same spot appreciating this vital source of water.

LAKE MANCHESTER

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Lake Manchester Photoshoot

The afternoon was dark and stormy, with strong winds sweeping over the Brisbane area. The sun was hidden behind thick clouds, creating a gloomy atmosphere. It was an excellent opportunity to capture some dramatic images by the lake, so I invited my friend, who is a professional photographer, to accompany me.

We brought some props to enhance the mood of the photos, such as the glass crystal ball and some sheer fabrics. I have used these elements before in my previous works, and I like how they create interesting effects with light and shadows, especially with the element of water. These props share similar values as water, such as the reflective and shiny characteristics.

We set up our equipment by the lake and started shooting, hoping to get some stunning shots for my portfolio. I began by exploring the wind as a creative element, using curtain fabrics and sticks to create flags. I waved them above and across my body in various ways while using long exposure to capture exciting images.

The curtain fabric flag, waving above me in the long exposure shot, looked like a cloud hovering over my head. I was the focal point of the landscape, wearing a pale green dress that contrasted with the dark green reeds by the water. My hand, the only sharp element in the picture, was placed over my heart, conveying a distinct sense of empathy and emotion which is what I was aiming for in this process.

I then decided to remove the sticks from the curtain fabrics and allow the wind to envelop them against my body as if I were resistant to it.

For this photoshoot, I wanted to create a mystical and mysterious atmosphere with the crystal ball as the focal point. I used a fabric vale to cover my body and face, leaving only the crystal ball visible in my hand. I experimented with different poses and angles, trying to capture the light and reflections of the ball. I also played with the contrast between the softness of the fabric and the hardness of the crystal.

The weather conditions and the daylight were challenging factors for this photography project, as we only had 30 minutes to complete it before the storm arrived and the sunset.

However, I was able to use this pressure as a motivation to produce some high-quality images that captured the beauty and drama of the scene. Working under a deadline can enhance one's creativity and focus as long as it is not too stressful or overwhelming.

For me, it was a thrilling experience to be in nature and feel the power of the wind and the water at this magnificent lake that I have a deep affinity with.

I used this project as a way to explore how my body interacts with the elements of the environment and how I relate to the place and the water in the lake.

[marielle-eva-art]

Connection to Site & Collection of Water

After visiting my family in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast (Land to Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi country) this week, I paid a short visit to Lake Barumba, located West of Imbil. I sat there to soak up the last hours of the beautiful sunny weather before returning home to Brisbane.

As I gazed at the tranquil surface of the lake, I pondered the role and purpose of this water in supporting the life of all the creatures that dwell by this lake and its surroundings.

I envisioned each drop and its cyclical journey of traversing oceans, clouds, and storms to finally reach this low point of the land and offer nourishment for all the living beings and life forms that depend on water to survive. I delved deeper into the electrical charge contained in the matter of water and what information it carries and transmits. All these abstract, scientific, and philosophical thoughts occupied my mind for such a brief time.

I became so drawn to the body of water I decided perhaps I could take a portion of it with me home so I could embody its presence even longer through meditation practice and observe the subtleties of how it would make me feel based on the memories from collecting the water.

I remembered I had a spare glass bottle sitting in my car to collect 1 liter of water to take home with me.

I did not have a clear, logical explanation for why I wanted to do this, but I felt a strong intuitive sense that it was the right thing to do for my practice and my watery research.

LAKE BARUMBA

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Watery Observations

'Lake Manchester'

Lake Manchester is a historic dam that was constructed from 1912 to 1916 and named after a civil engineer.

The dam is located about 43.8 km west of Brisbane and is surrounded by the D'Aguilar National Park and the Brisbane State Forest. The area offers various outdoor activities such as bushwalking, kayaking, fishing, horse riding, and mountain biking. However, the dam is also a vital water source for the Ipswich Shire, so recreational use of motorized vehicles such as boats and jet skis is prohibited to protect the water quality.

I visit this location regularly to connect, reflect, and recharge...

While I spent some time by the water, I was captivated by the beautiful colors and reflections of the water and decided to record a slow-motion video of the water in motion.

[marielle-eva-art]

Tilted Equilibrium

I returned to the Earth globe to explore its mesmerizing mechanism and investigate the potential of using it in a video. I am fascinated by the MOVA Earth globe and how it could spin on its own. I wanted to see how it would look on video, so I asked my brother-in-law to help me out. He agreed to hold the globe in his hands and move it around differently. I filmed him from different angles, making sure to only capture his hands and the globe. I wanted to create a sense of intimacy and wonder as if he was holding the whole world in his hands. I captured at least 3-4 different videos of him moving his hands, keeping the globe anchored in one position in the center of the camera. The aim was to only capture the hands wrapped around the earth and moving and gliding around it.

I decided to explore using the same technique I have used in previous work by layering many videos over each other and adjusting the opacity in Premier Pro.

I had in total 4 video to combine into one and the result looked like this...

The video uses a slow-motion technique to enhance the visual impact of the scene. The hands that appear in different locations around the planet symbolize the human presence and intervention in the world. The image also plays with the idea of the earth's movement in the solar system, which is not static but dynamic and changing. The long exposure effect adds a twist to the perception of time and space, making them seem stretched and warped, as well as creating a slight deviation from the expected orbit.

The audio encompasses a vast tone that travels in and out of the key to emphasize the off-kilter element of the visuals. It essentially aims to stretch the mood and add an overall dynamic emotion to the work.