A new project has captured my attention and time for the past number of months. The concept being a body of work featuring 'Sow & Pigs' reef nestled within Sydney Harbour.Sailing in from the open ocean one feels a sense of security upon entering the Heads. The strains of a passage end with the promise of protection by the harbour. There is a great feeling of relief, accomplishment and then awe, as the beauty of Sydney Harbour slowly reveals itself and replaces the open ocean. The transition from space to intimacy, from repetition to variety is slow and satisfying; the stress of the journey dissipates.
This is not entirely true.
One more obstacle presents itself for navigation, a hidden reef. Sow and Pigs reef in Sydney Harbour is, for most times, not visible. Unobservable and concealed just below the waterline a reef that will scuttle any vessel settles camouflaged by the gentle roll of waves.
It is imperative that the mariner holds a ‘view’ of Sow and Pigs even though this reef is not visible. Holding a concept, an insight, a view within the mind’s eye, seeing the potential for danger on a chart. Acknowledging this final hidden challenge when entering the waters of Sydney. Without a view of Sow and Pigs the certainty of tranquility and protection offered by the harbour is lost.
The artwork shown here, to the right is Little Manly Point, with Through the Heads pictured above, are from the series ‘36 Views of Sow and Pigs’. As Sow and Pigs is not usually visible, in keeping with this elusive nature, Sow and Pigs is also not readily visible within the majority of the 36 views. The set of artwork reflect a transitional journey from wild openness to tranquil sanctuary exploring intimate views and variety in landscape offered by Sydney Harbour.The two works featured here are woodblock prints, image size for all work within the series is 30cm x 47cm, paper size is 42cm x 57cm. The matrix for these two works is cut from plywood and worked using tradition Japanese woodblock knives, tools and techniques. They are hand printed onto BFK Rives paper with a ball bearing baren.
So far 16 images have been drawn in readiness for making, cutting and carving blocks. All 36 Views of Sow & Pigs, will be worked primarily as woodblocks with other printmaking techniques layered. This work will eventually become a body of work in preparation for another solo exhibition.
All images Copyright © 2004 - 2010 Rosanna Jurisevic
