Elliana Clarke
Shire Christian School
ECOPHILIA: SYMBIOSIS ON MORETON ISLAND
Collection of Work
Acrylic paint, coloured pencil, digital media, sculpture
Ecophilia: the closeness and positive coexistence between human beings and nature My body of work is inspired by the deep connection I felt with the shipwrecks at Moreton Island. The carefully placed shipwrecks and conservation efforts have allowed a thriving reef and stable ecosystem to develop, demonstrating how harmony with nature is possible. These wrecks show how humans can interact positively with nature, forming an ecophilic relationship in contrast to humanity having its usual detrimental effect. The intention of my work is to represent different perspectives of the wrecks, conveying how they are unified by their undeniable beauty.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Anne Strambi, Leigh Eaton, Nic Human, Jason Descaires Taylor.
Marker's Commentary
This body of work takes aim at the impact of human presence using the pristine waters of Northern Australia to question our relationships with nature across sixteen colourful, eye-catching works. The centre piece, a relief sculpture of the shark with highlighting intricate surface treatment and patterned patina across the metallic skin with exposed lacerations gives context to the inhabitants of this site. The photographs, objects and painted works provide the deeper investigation of the Moreton Island aquatic location.
Ecophilia: Symbiosis on Moreton Island takes you on a journey exposing our vulnerabilities in the complex relationships that are entangled with the natural word. The 2D works highlight the interventions of travel and journeys with evidence of the rusty shipwrecks that inhabit our coastlines. The narrative of Ecophilia doesn’t dwell on the negative, simply echoing our world is a place of wonder in which we share lived experiences. This is reflected in the images of framed natural artefacts and underwater viewpoints disguising the evidence of our material existence in this comprehensive body of work.