Slow Dance

Slow Dance is a body of work that unveils my experience at the East MacDonnell Ranges, Arrernte Land, Central Australia. Earlier this year, eight other practicing artists from around the country and myself camped at Ruby Gap, 400 km from Alice Springs, where we painted immersed in the landscape. From this inspirational trip, I focused on capturing the energy of place and painted from sketches, images, and memory. Some artworks depict a sense of quiet and stillness of waking up before the group, while others channel the higher energy felt in the riverbeds at sundown as we gathered around the fire for a wine. I felt a strong connection to Trephina Gorge, it was nurturing and feminine, just like a warm hug from my mother or nona. It was as if this ancient land was asking you sink into it and feel completely at ease. I noticed that I was painting slower and more mindfully there. The midday sun was warm, and the shadows were deep. After a week of being remote and disconnected from the digital world, I suddenly sensed the increase of pace on my return to the city. I then knew I wanted to call this work 'Slow Dance' to seize the feeling of The Central Desert. These paintings intend to remind us to slow down, take a breath, and dance in the kitchen!