An exhibition by Amanda Hocking

Artists’ Statement
“Earthbound – a connection between Earth and humanity.”
Earthbound is a collection of unique and colourful work by environmental artist Amanda Hocking in collaboration with artists Maria Radanov, Lisa John and Gillian Banks.

Earthbound explores our past, present and future roles as custodians of planet Earth.

Choosing to immerse herself in environmentally “at risk” sites, Amanda has spent time at the Cockburn Ranges in northern WA, the Tarkin forests of Tasmania, Western Australia’s northern coastline, and Ningaloo Reef. She has also worked locally at Karrara Conservation Covenant which is under the stewardship of Trust for Nature.

Amanda was joined by fellow artists Maria and Lisa, in the Rushworth State Forest near Whroo in Victoria. At each venue, the artists worked en plein air using natural and ancient materials found on site. These included ochres, soils, grasses, sticks and plants in order to create individual backgrounds on unstretched canvas.

Back in the studio, the artists continued the biophilic process with paints, pigments, inks and charcoals, leading to unique depictions of Australian ecosystems under threat.

Gillian, also using naturally occurring materials, weaves her finds into emotive and beautiful 3D structures. Within each piece of each artist’s work lies an innate and welcome connection to Earth as a living and codependent entity.

The artists have chosen to explore the past and still-present human anthropocentric belief that “the needs of humans are above all other life forms with nature only existing for human benefit”, while creatively promoting a path which combines biocentrism – where all living creatures are equal and intrinsic to nature – along with the broader ecocentric belief that healthy ecosystems will support the ongoing welfare of all biodiversity, including humanity.

In valuing and maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems we ensure longevity for all. By reaching towards ecocentric stewardship and moving away from the exploitive relationships of the past we achieve harmony between human progress and planetary wellbeing.