Continuum

2022

Introducing Continuum, a collaboration between mixed cultural First Peoples maker and artist Lisa Waup and Western Australian digital artist Sam Price.

Continuum details a sequence of adjoining elements in a progression of connection at varying degrees of perception. These cannot be perceptibly altered from each other— they are one. One does not exist without the other, they are harmonised in every way - akin. - Lisa Waup

In 2020m I was invited to develop a collaborative work with Charter Hall for their landmark building at 130 Lonsdale Street. Already an incredible space, the split digital screen provided an opportunity to translate contemporary craft into a new medium. Developed over the course of 2021, the final work translates elements of Lisa's craft practice — from naturally found materials, experimental printmaking processes and weaving into the digital space. Celebrating shared connections of Country and topographic views of salt water, the work details extended paths of continuum.

First Peoples Narrm based artist Lisa Waup and Western Australian Digital artist Sam Price worked alongside Craft and curator Sarah Weston over several months to develop the work— a bringing together of both of their respective practices. The finished piece draws from traditional mark making and Lisa's ongoing work with metal and carving and builds a narrative of the significance of water as a connector and essential for life.

The work starts with a central point, a reflection of self, a single entity. The lines radiate outwards from this central connector — creating connections and pathways in the work. Together, they represent our communities, the joining together of people and ideas. The work takes on a second meeting — it is topographical — a representation of Country, a cityscape, our waterways and land. We’re looking down on it — the depth within and the swirling waters. The metallic quality of the work refers to the preciousness of these community links, the lines of communication and connection which are between us. It’s malleable but it has strength. As humans we have this quality as well. We are strong, resilient but but we also move and change — we evolve. The significance of water is essential to the work. Water is essential for life — it’s life force. Water creates an environment for sustainability and growth. Even in the water sits the idea of connection and movement, bringing things together. In the interplay of the piece and the water rising and falling there’s symbolism. There’s depth in the water, light and shadows reflecting across the piece. The movement of water considers life and change, renewal. The water submerges and reemerges across the landscape — highlighting the sense of change and direction.

Images: Henry Trumble

Project: Craft and Charter Hall