The Touch Drawing

Born in Loughborough, UK in 1948. Migrated to Melbourne, Australia 1953. Traffic Large-scale drawings in charcoal This body of work explores the movement of people from their place of origin. Whether fleeing political persecution, economic hardship or environmental disaster, people have always needed to be able to move to survive. In the current political climate, where debate about the status of refugees is ongoing, the understanding that all people, other than the Aborigines, are immigrants to Australia is worthwhile reflecting on. The people depicted in these drawings are European of non-specific origin. The reference point is the displacement of peoples in Europe throughout the 20th century. Photographs, news reports and documentaries of people forced from their homes, inspire these images. Media representations over the last 60-plus years have made us witnesses, whether willingly or unwillingly, to this diaspora. We observe, we are concerned, but little changes. Although the images focus primarily on the struggle of people making their journey, they also contain a measure of hope, physical support and emotional care for others that is necessary for survival. These drawings also explore what is kept, what is left behind, what is discarded along the way and what ultimately holds meaning.