resurface, ink on paper, 2020

Destruction was so complete in the Park Lands that hardly any remnants of native plants remain. (Kraehenbuehl 1996)

Resurface is part of my project Memorial for Forgotten Plants, which involves researching the native flora across the many different ecosystems of Adelaide. Drawn with white ink on black, this work reflects the loss and sadness of native plants from our urban landscape, and highlighting native plant conservation. By sharing this practice with the wider community I hope that each intimate and creative encounter with a local plant species offers an opportunity to remember.

Resurface was created in response to visiting the Bush for Life site at Tuttangga Park 17 in the Adelaide Parklands. I was inspired by the group of Trees for Life volunteers who painstakingly hand weed the area, allowing native plants to grow back. The site is a testament to the resilience of native plants and proof that with the right amount of care, seemingly disappeared plants can re-appear.