terra australis ...

This afternoon I completed quite an involved project proposal application for an Antarctica-based art residency I have been researching and thinking about for some time. This is the first round of a 2 stage process. I feel very enlivened and excited by my ideas as they draw on a body of learning, interests and experiences somewhat unique to me. I have all appendages crossed awaiting the outcome in March this year. Until then, here is a brief overview …

This project aims to capture an interconnected, systems perspective of Australia’s Antarctic presence. Incorporating concerns related to climate & environment, scientific research & logistics, national & international collective stewardship, as well as human-centred dynamics; a novel, aesthetic, interactive, sculptural game will be constructed, with overarching themes of awareness, education, integration, balance & sustainability. Conceptual, materials-focused and scalable in nature; an in-situ land-art installation iteration & aligned ‘board-game’ & educational-kit sized works are envisaged. Respectively and subject to approval: ice, snow, accessible gravel or rock, dried algae, station-materials-not-currently-in use or usable-waste already designated for removal (eg packaging or damaged matter) would be site-relevant materials; whereas wood, ceramics, metal, cardboard or other sustainable materials would suit post-site development for gallery and museum exhibition and further adaptation to educational environments. Ultimate project goals relate to the above themes but also include multi-dimensional understanding & appreciation, collaboration & ingenuity.

The project’s creative output directly involves all specified objectives on multiple levels. For example, sculptures will visually reflect the geometry of ice, carbon, local architecture & maps  and thus, a strong connection to site and place (hexagonal & tetrahedral geodesic truss/node prototypes are currently under construction); but also, the interdependence of all systems including: the activities of the AAP; local, regional & global climatic & environmental systems; human interactions; historical influences & international relations & obligations. Onsite active, qualitative & ethnographic research incorporating observation & interviews concerning different AAP teams, environments & procedures, will ultimately, distill game-influential conditions and constraints forming the substance of so-inscribed playing cards. Random card selection, echoing realistic chaotic and chance systemic influences, and corresponding addition or subtraction of an associated sculptural component (depending on whether the selected condition is largely positive or negative); will influence overall game stability. With game-players responsible for different sub-systems (eg climate, environment, scientific research, government policy, human-health or logistics), the game aims, via its intended broad reach (from AAD staff playing the onsite sculptural installation version to more exhibitable, circulatable, smaller board-game or education-kit iterations), to inform, educate & encourage peaceful collaboration & understanding both locally, nationally & internationally; as well as overall, evidence the structural & metaphorical equilibrial maintenance of ‘Terra Australis’ (hypothetical game name which also, via the Latin, references ‘Australia’).

Travel to the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic is necessary for my project as, as outlined above, preliminary, onsite qualitative research, particularly in the form of varied observations and interviews, to canvas environmental, scientific, operational and human system interdependency and interconnectedness; as well as site-specific material adaptation in creating an onsite land art sculptural installation (which AAD staff also can interact with and thus also, learn from); can only be carried out in place.

In addition to the compilation of extensive, contemporaneous research data & information resulting in essential game components; the sourcing & installing of site-specific materials (which, incidentally, have a communicative, place-relevant language of their own) & the formulation of a land art installation & further, smaller game iterations; the project seeks to foster general human-environment interactional awareness; local, national & international collaborative diplomacy & problem-solving skills & fundamentally, an insight into systems thinking. The project also aims to encourage futurist thinking & ingenuity. The intended audience ranges from ‘local’ people working/resident onsite to sculptural/visual art enthusiasts nationally and internationally; similarly, game aficionados; & life-long-learners (in both personal & more formal educational environments).

More soon …

icarus phoenix

This is the title of a mixed-media work I’m completing, currently. It features ashes of recent papers, alcohol inks, sumi-E ink, gold leaf, handmade Japanese washi paper and bookbinding threads. (Progress photos via my instagram link).

Conceptually an amalgam of the tales of Icarus (in which wax wings flying too close to the sun lead to a fall) and the mythical, glorious, avian Phoenix (which, consumed by fire, fearlessly regains and builds strength from its own ashes, to rise renewed) the work represents sentiments guiding my early 2026.

Having taken-on much last year (in many life facets) and ultimately experiencing mentally what endurance athletes refer to as ‘hitting the wall’ or what I have come to call ‘scrambled-eggs-brains’; I have rested and recalibrated now via mind-body-soul nourishment and much self-care.

I am very grateful to those in my inner physical and energetic circles who’ve contributed to this nurturing via their support and belief in me in ‘helping me get where I’m going’. I only hope I can one day return such a gift or ‘pay it forward’.

... gold star!

Whilst I can honestly say my academic pursuits are largely for the sheer energy, joy and excitement as well as the learning and analytical/problem-solving and creative opportunities they bring me, plus, undoubtedly, the connections with like-minded spirits … well, and the resultant improved ability to interconnect apparently disparate fields of knowledge which manifests in my artworks, writing and research - it’s rewarding to receive acknowledgment for the relative quality of my undertakings. Today I heard word I’ve received The Griffith University Award for Academic Excellence in addition to an earlier award in admission to the Golden Key International Honours Society - both related to my recent MVA.

Popped the gold star on my forehead this afternoon (& a bottle of favourite bubbles) in celebration of this little victory! Always celebrate the little victories …

A door closes but another opens ...

I received confirmation this week I’ve been successful (officially) in the award of my Master of Visual Arts degree from the Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University.

This ‘little victory’ is actually symbolic of several I feel I’ve made, personally, across roughly the same time frame and so, is cherished.

I am champing at the bit to pursue further research and maintain my inspirational connections with QCAD studio places and faces.

During the hiatus, though, currently, I am preparing applications for two, significant international residency awards and also, am thrilled to be continuing formal studies in science and civil engineering (including undertaking Coastal and Ocean engineering research work-experience come the new year).

Walking through open doors …

Everything is interconnected.

Almost there ...

On Friday, I submitted my completed thesis for the award of my MVA. This, in addition to the accompanying practical elements I’ve worked on over the past two years, and continue to work on for my graduating exhibition in early November, has been deeply personally fulfilling. The thesis submission, though, particularly, marked a significant-milestone-reached and the coming together of much research and accompanying conceptual processes. I am so very pleased with and excited by, the outcomes of my project - only the viva and exhibition to go now! What I love most about visual art is the relative freedom - the freedom to think, explore, express, experiment, research and create! The MVA process has helped me find, refine and shape my artistic voice and I am very grateful for all of the learning and maturing experiences it’s provided me. I am especially grateful to my supervisor and mentor, Dr Elizabeth Shaw (no relation incidentally!) for her ongoing support, constructive feedback and stimulation. Somehow, I feel this is only the beginning …

Home

It’s really good to be home and getting settled and ready for my next wave of creating! I have some Svalbard inspired ideas as well as a few for exegesis and exhibition aligned chess sets. More soon …

Finland and Arctic return

I have spent an extraordinary few months in residencies in Finland and Svalbard, Norway. Both taught and gave me much in many different ways. Finland at Arteles’ ‘Way Beyond’ program revolving around ‘consciousness, the cosmos and the unknown’ was deeply restorative and inspiring especially for the conversations had and connections made with very kindred spirits. Spitsbergen Artists’ Residency in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norge was a very active and adventurous residency during which I hiked much, kayaked on Adventfjorden; went glacier and fauna spotting in a RIB and catamaran; and continued learning much about the Arctic region, peoples, local climate change impacts and associated impacts and adaptations. I capitalised on the relatively warm summer weather and stunning, unique landscape and created several temporary land art installations largely from found objects. These works reflected the natural environment, climatic changes and the history and traditions of Svalbard. Special thanks to Teemu, Amber and Michelle and my fellow Arteles residents as well as Niko and Domi and the other Spitsbergen residents for making my experiences so enjoyable, fulfilling and memorable! I’m in Oslo this evening and head home via Dubai, tomorrow.

"qajaq-ualuk"

This Greenlandic term literally translates as ‘kayak dizziness’ - the disorientation experienced by some while paddling a kayak, especially in rough or unstable waters. An aligned word is ‘nangierneq’ which means to persevere or to endure - continuing through something difficult with determination and resilience.

I came across these terms at the Ilulissat History Museum whilst in residency in Greenland recently and they have inspired a current Lino-print work. The description of the sensation really resonated with me - literally and metaphorically - in terms of my last few years which have been quite tumultuous personally.

An information plaque in the Museum read: “When losing direction we feel helpless. The body reacts with (literally) getting cold feet. This sensation of cold, rising from below, can make you feel as if the qajaq (a Greenlandic word) is filling with water. The fear increases. The only way to break the effects of nangierneq (or ‘qajaq-ualuk’) is to keep paddling.”

Poet Mary Oliver often wrote about nature, transformation, resilience, and the beauty inherent in struggle. In ‘The Uses of Sorrow’ she wrote, ‘Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.” This, incidentally, has inspired another current work-in-process, a quite literal ‘gift’ which I’ll share via Instagram, soon. My recent, very personally and professionally extraordinarily enriching international residencies in Iceland and Greenland, served to remind me, on many levels, about perspective/s and I am processing and releasing much through this work.

I am concentrating on completing the bulk of my Masters in Visual Arts this trimester before heading to Finland and then Svalbard, Norway for May and June 2025, respectively. I am learning so much and thoroughly enjoying these experiences - and ‘focusing on the gift’ as opposed to the darkness, has helped.

Grounding

After an extraordinarily inspiring, productive and yet equally restorative residency period in Finland, I am now back in Brisbane. I am poised to create, fuelled by all of my recent overseas experiences, and also, to learn more in my respective study programs.

My art trajectory this trimester revolves around metalwork (with an emphasis on sustainability) as well as visual analysis in art theory. I’m also undertaking courses in computer programming, fluid mechanics and environmental engineering which, aside from being inspiring in their own ways, also feed my art practice.

I look forward to updating this space soon with news of my post-residency works.

Adventure bound ...

This evening finds me at Brisbane International Airport again, eagerly anticipating another international adventure - this time to Arteles Residency in Finland. The theme of this residency is ‘silence, awareness, existence’ and will cater to ‘artists, scientists and deep minds’. I am really looking forward to the experience.

I also submitted my entry into the ‘EQUS Art Competition’ for 2024 this afternoon - just prior to my flight! I am really happy with the overall work and how it represents the theme of this year’s competition in ‘duality’.

I will write again soon from Finland!

Pit stop ...

I worked really hard throughout my last week in Tatsuno, Nagano, Japan, recently, amidst -2*C temperatures, to complete my installation in the subterranean Keirindō Gallery, as well as a few newspaper interviews and photoshoots! I am so grateful for every experience I had in Japan as everything and everyone taught me so much! I’m now enjoying two weeks at home in Brisbane, Australia (in the relative extreme heat) before leaving for one more adventure to Arteles Residency in Finland on 30 January. I am already very excited about the different experiences this will hold for me!

New Year in Japan!

New Year’s in Japan is a big celebration and I have been very lucky to part in some festivities already!

Yesterday, I went to a mochi making party and learned so much about many Japanese traditions (in addition to mochi) including making macha tea, New Year’s celebratory foods and dressing in kimono!

I’m so grateful to Eri-san, Koto-san and their family and friends for inviting me and sharing this special time of year and all that comes with it, with me! Thank you all!

On my art front, I have finalised my plans for a sculptural installation or two here in Tatsuno & have scoped out the gallery space that I’ll transform! As per some of my recent pieces, it’s quite conceptual but still rooted firmly in Tatsuno Town. The main pieces I’ve taken from ‘takarajima’ or ‘treasure island’ include a large bag full of disused LED lights; some lacquered wooden plates, some wire & newspaper. Any guesses?!

More to follow very soon …

Tobichi Art - Tatsuno, Nagano Japan

Today was my second day in my residency here in Tatsuno, Japan.

It’s been wonderful coming to understand the town, space & materials & meeting with the staff, other artists, photographers, designers & a visiting academic!

Tomorrow I get to explore ‘takarajima’ or ‘treasure island’ where an abundance of disused & found materials will be at my disposal to create artworks in a nearby studio before installing in a local ‘shop’ gallery space.

I’m so very grateful to Ayako-san especially for showing me the ropes & helping me settle in!

More very soon …

Last day in Austmarka, Konsvinger Kommune, Innlandet, Norge.

I can’t quite believe three whole weeks have passed since I arrived in Norway. I have had such a wonderful time at Atelier Austmarka in residency and have learned and experienced so much! I am very grateful to the inspiring artists I shared my time with - Elisa, Ale & Onè - I could not have asked for more delightful atelier-mates & also to our host Gitte for so warmly welcoming us and for her time, knowledge and energy!

I have much to report about my last few days in residency - I’ve completed several impermanent winter ice installations in both Konsvinger (this) Kommune & in neighbouring Eidskog. I have also been working on a large cut paper/mixed media work featuring beautiful bjørketrær (birch trees) which I will finish once home. Tomorrow I head back to Oslo for a bit and then up to Tromsø and Bergen before flying out of Oslo to Tokyo for my next residency in Nagano, Japan! More again very soon and as always photos via my instagram @karalynshaw ☺️

Atelier Ausmarka Norge

My Ausmarka residency experience is underway and I’m enjoying and trying to make the most of every second! I’ve been settling in to living in Norway approaching day to day much the same way as I do at home - swimming at the local pool, doing yoga, sourcing & preparing nourishing food and of course, researching & creating - with the additional element of excited adventuring; exploring new places, meeting new faces, negotiating different languages, systems and cultures. Quite simply, I am in my heaven … more soon!

Writing, Printing, Sculpting, Planning!

These next few weeks represent a culmination of my artistic and meditative practices for 2023.

I am finalising several theoretical pieces for my MVA courses, in addition to my associated visual diaries and practical components for exhibition during final critiques.

I am also completing several works, inspired by my mid-year residency, for The Wharf Flinders Island, Tasmania - in time for Christmas purchases!

Norway and my residency at Atelier Austmarka is only a month away today and so I’m also planning a few travel specifics and my “artist’s suitcase of tools and materials” - especially challenging when you’re an interdisciplinary artist! I simply cannot wait to explore Austmarka, Finnskogen and the surrounding natural beauty of Norway and perhaps bordering Sweden, also.

Australian Maritime Art Prize Exhibition Finalist

I was absolutely over the moon to hear word my 2D mixed media work entitled, “Black Hole” was selected as a finalist in this national competition, recently.

I am really excited to be heading to Melbourne on 19 October for the opening night of the exhibition. For more information concerning this and my related sculptural pieces, please see my instagram @karalynshaw

International residencies Part 3!

Further to my previous entry, more recently, I was selected from 203 international applicants to participate in thematic residency program, “Silence, Awareness, Existence” for Artists, Scientists and Deep Minds at the Arteles Creative Centre in Haukijärvi, Suomi (Finland) during February 2024.

I will be a part of a multidisciplinary residency group at the centre which provides an inspiring and supportive environment to allow creative people to focus and pursue the unconventional - out of the box - thinking; and encourages personal growth, mindfulness and long-term progress.

To say I am excited to be a part of this experience is an understatement. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the surroundings, cultures, languages and people! Many thanks to the jury for this incredible opportunity - I know it will be productive personally and professionally.

International residencies!

Recently, I applied to 2 international artist residency programs: 1 in Norway (where my Mum’s family hails from) and 1 in Japan (where I have visited several times before) and both, where I feel a deep affinity with the countries and regions, peoples, languages and cultures).

I am thrilled to report I was successful with both applications - the first will be for 3 weeks at Atelier Austmarka, Finnskogen near the Swedish border in Norway and the second will be for 4 weeks in a Part Time job position at Tobichi Art Museum in Tatsuno Town, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

I am very grateful to both juries for these already completely inspiring opportunities.

I will be away from 4 November through until 17 January 2024. For more regular updates, please follow my Instagram account @karalynshaw (link in menu above).

The Crayshack Artist in Residence Stay Killiecrankie Flinders Island Tasmania June/July 2023

I am thrilled to be accepted as an Artist in Residence on this beautiful island for a little over a fortnight in June/July this year - to explore and absorb the remote and rugged habitats, meet with lovely locals, sample the freshest and most scrumptious locally-prepared cuisine and translate my experiences and feelings into meaningful works (both visual art and poetry) for an ultimate, local exhibition. For more details and updates, see my instagram page @karalynshaw (link in menu).