Page 8 - The Enso Circle Artists-in-Residence Exhibition Catalog, December 2022

About

the DONNA CAFFREY

Artist &

the I am a mixed media artist. I’m into tactile and the places it takes me -

zen moments - when I make with my hands and my heart. I explore my
Work ideas in collage, assemblage and stitch using found and altered papers,

found objects, fabric and fibres and contemporary clay.

My work takes time to emerge. Working with my hands is both
mediative and mindful. I become absorbed in the act of making. It is a
time when the brain rests and the world stops.

This small study was conceived during a four week stay in the heritage
village of Oatlands, Tasmania. Oatlands is steeped in early military and
convict history and has many, many original sandstone buildings. I was
enchanted to the point of transfixed by the sandstone walls. I explored
the concept of walls.

Walls can provide security, protect, detain, restrain. Walls can keep
people in or out. A wall can be a living wall. A wall does not have to be
a physical object but may be a metaphorical invisible barrier such as a
prejudice or ignorance.

“I stitched last night. It’s been a long time since I did that (stitch at night
in front of the TV) and it was wonderful. I can truly say it was mindful
stitching. The time passed. The music rang out & was mostly mellow. I
was caught up with putting the needle through the fabric – in & out, in
& out. Not constant. I would rest & watch the TV but for the first time in
a while I can say that my mind was entirely engaged in a mindful way. I
noticed the music, the costumes, the colour of the fabric in my hand &
the stitching – in & out, in & out.”

(Excerpt from my journal)

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