Impressions of the Cumberland Plain Woodland Series (2024)

Cumberland Plain Woodland, Dhurag land, Western Sydney, Australia

Ecoprints made with eucalyptus leaves on cellulose fabric, framed in hardwood.
25.8 x 28.4cm,  44.4 x 52.4cm,  60.8 x 92.4cm, 57.8 x 59.4cm, 40.6 x 46.2cm 

“Impressions of the Cumberland Plain Woodland” is a series comprising of five eco-prints on cellulose fabric placed in custom hardwood frames, created using windfall leaves from various species of eucalyptus trees found in western Sydney on Dhurag land. My work documents a deeply familiar landscape through the practice of collecting and foraging. By using eco-printing techniques, I contact print the leaves by boiling them, allowing their natural dyes to transfer onto the fabric. This method offers a sustainable approach to documenting and printing onto fabric, capturing the unique essence of the landscape.

Each print in this series is a one-of-a-kind piece, reflecting a specific moment in the forest’s existence. The results vary depending on the conditions and seasons, which affect the print produced by the leaf, ensuring that no two prints are alike. This highlights the dynamic nature of the woodland and serves as a reminder of its ever-changing beauty. Through these prints, I aim to provide a deeper connection to our environment, extending beyond the simple act of walking in the park.

Eco-printing is not just a technique but a dialogue with nature, where the landscape itself becomes an active participant in the creation process. The captured impressions are not only artistic representations but also ecological documents, preserving the Cumberland Plain Woodland. My work invites viewers to engage with and appreciate the natural world, fostering a connection to the land we inhabit.