Residency report: Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard, Gunyah residency October 2023


I went to Gunyah looking for a creative space to start developing ideas for my next body of work. As soon as I walked into the house I felt the joy and creativity of that space. 

Catriona Pollard, Gunyah residency October 2023


 I hadn't planned on weaving anything as I was recovering from a sprained wrist, so I took paints and ink to just play. It was an ideal place for me as my art practice embraces the concept that nature is a part of us with meaning and spirit. And nature is essentially all there is at Gunyah.


Catriona Pollard, Gunyah residency October 2023

The forms I weave tell stories relating to emotions, concepts, energy and experiences. They are about truly seeing the extraordinary in everyday moments. For me, it’s about being still, and letting the beauty surface. I sat in contemplation on the verandah overlooking the tree tops and water glimpses and spent hours and hours on the jetty. Jumping into the water, tracing elements and just lying watching the water move and reflect the sun. 


Catriona Pollard, Gunyah residency October 2023 

Every day I walked through the bush trails and created ephemeral works and ended up finding Smilax vine by the side of the road. My rest and contemplation turned into weaving quite hard and complex forms, and gifting one as thanks to the nature and creativity of Gunyah.


Gunyah residency report, October 2023
Catriona Pollard

Upcoming artist-in-residence: Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist who lives on Cammeraygal and Borogegal Land. She uses traditional basketry techniques to transform foraged plant fibres into organic sculptural works. Catriona's unique sculptural work offers glimpses of shapeshifting natural forms, from unnoticed branches, leaves and vines into works that investigate human’s personal connection with the natural world. Engaging audiences to build creative connection with the natural world is a fundamental part of her art practice. By transforming organic material into sculptures, Catriona presents an opportunity to be enchanted by the natural world aiming to reignite people’s relationship with nature for the wellbeing of all.

Catriona Pollard, 'Hidden Deep in the Forest the Faeries Sleep', 2021. 

Muehlenbeckia vine, 201 x 40 x 40 cm.



During my residency at Gunyah, I plan to start a new body of work to explore how the invisible, non-material realm can uncover the psyche of human’s place in the landscape and uncover the concept that the disconnection between spirit and nature has led to the climate crisis which threatens our very sense of self and society.


Catriona Pollard, 'Light of Silence', 2022, 

Foraged vine, recycled electrical copper wire, charcoal, 156 x 89 x 9 cm


To find out more about Catriona Pollard's practice, visit her website theartofweaving.com.au and follow her on Instagram @CatrionaPollard

Residency Report: Aaron Aryadharma Matheson

Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, Gunyah AIR September 2023


I loved being at The Gunyah, I treated it as a bit of a solo retreat, both getting respite from my busy life in urban Sydney, and from having to think beyond the limitations of my own disability and M.S., as I normally live with three others in a Buddhist community. To have everything I needed right there, in such a beautiful natural setting, just the sound of lapping water, birds, my materials, and my thoughts. There was a deepening of absorption and clarity around certain ideas such as what I ‘think is expected of me’ and what I want to do, (... there's nothing like getting away to get that clear!) and an experience of being free from expectations, which I feel everyone should feel occasionally. 


Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, sketch, Gunyah AIR September 2023


I also gained some clarity and insights into my topic of the Cosmos as seen through the James Webb telescope, and into mythology and art in general:
"Galaxies are unthinkable, but they have at their core principles that I can connect with, presence and mystery. They are just there, factually vast, unimaginable - that means beyond what we can imagine- but I personally feel I need to try… Not to contain and control my conception, but to embiggen it (it’s actually a word from the late 19th century popularised by the Simpson’s). The edge of the swirling galaxy of the world picks me up in and carries me in reflection to another place."

Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, sketch, Gunyah AIR September 2023


I'm so grateful to the selectors and the committee, hope one day to come again, although I wonder how accessible I will find it in the future - this time it was heavenly.

Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, sketch, Gunyah AIR September 2023


Gunyah residency report, September 2023
Aaron Aryadharma Matheson

Residency report: Cara Johnson

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

Gunyah really gave me a place to rest and reflect. I feel so fortunate that I was able to bring my family with me, I haven’t spent time away from my young daughter and this residency made me feel so welcomed and supported as an artist, and a mum. 

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

Butcherbirds have my favourite song, and they called to each other in the trees while I worked.

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

It was interesting for me to see sweet pittosporum in the bushland looking beautiful - where I live in Victoria’s southwest is way outside of its natural range and considered a terrible weed due to its threat to plant diversity. I’m used to pulling out seedlings that I come across on walks, but here I let them be while I enjoyed discovering unfamiliar acacia seed pods. I found larger versions of familiar orchids and think they must thrive in the warmer climate.

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

Dolphins and bandicoots, kites, pelicans, albatross and musk lorikeets. I was nervous about ticks (something also unfamiliar) and did get one on the last day and it was not even close to as bad as I’d imagined! Leeches are much worse, and live close to home, stretching out towards legs from the ends of bracken. 

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

I had some new insights during my time away and can see them making their way into work. I’m very grateful to Kath and everyone connected to Gunyah. 

Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

Gunyah residency report, August 2023

Cara Johnson


Cara Johnson, Gunyah artist-in-residence August 2023

Upcoming artist-in-residence: Aaron Aryadharma Matheson

Aaron Aryadharma Matheson


Aaron Aryadharma Matheson is an artist who lives and works on Gadigal Wangal Land in the inner west of Sydney. He has been a finalist in the Mosman, Waverley and Waterhouse prizes, and awarded the Richard Ford travel award. He completed a year’s postgraduate diploma in drawing at the Prince’s Drawing School in London in 2007, and a Masters in Fine Art in 2018 at the National Art School, Sydney. Aaron is represented by Liverpool St Gallery, Sydney.


Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, 'Nursery of Stars' 2022, 

acrylic and mica pigment on canvas, 187 x 126.5 cm



" ... I paint in order to see myself more clearly, and to make sense of life. I use earth, metal, or mica pigments with acrylic binder. Applying paint to a surface, extends awareness (mind) into the liquid paint and the world beyond me. There is also an ‘archaeological’ process of rubbing back into the painting. I’m interested in the awareness and clarity that persists despite the presence of the paint, drips and slashes. ... "



Aaron Aryadharma Matheson, 'Galaxy', 2021,
acrylic paint and pale gold pigment on canvas, 187 x 152cm



" ... During my residency at Gunyah, I intend to make many small studies for two large-scale paintings: 120 x 170cm in acrylic. The process will begin with meditation and small studies which move through a process of linking up thinking and sensation, working with both mindfulness, the space, and current reflections on indigenous astronomy and quantum mechanics. ..." 

You can see more of Aaron Aryadharma Matheson's work on his website aaronmatheson.com and instagram @aryadharmamatheson


Residency report: Taryn Raffan

From the moment I arrived after dark and seeing the wooden Gunyah sign at the beginning of the drive I knew I was in for an exceptional treat on my residency. I woke to the local birds singing through their morning songs, beautiful sunshine with the occasional rainy day (which was just as special) and taking in the calming waters which incapsulated my every glance outward. I went walking and swimming most days at a nearby beach named Jimmy’s and learnt to understand the subtle variations in wind at Gunyah meant the beach was a no go. I observed the tides which are ever so present from the pier and really became interested in the intersection of the water and land meeting. It was so special to be able to look out upon a vast natural setting, especially reflecting upon my tiny apartment back in Brisbane which overlooks car parks, roofs and cement. My time at Gunyah really afforded me space, tranquility and an opportunity to look at my art making a little differently all whilst preparing for an upcoming exhibition.


Gunyah residency report, July 2023

Taryn Raffan







Upcoming artist-in-residence: Cara Johnson

Cara Johnson with her sculpture Remnant, photo: Fred Kroh @fotokroh

Cara Johnson is an artist who currently lives on Gadubanud Country, in The Otways VIC. Her craft-based works interrogate tensions and narratives connected to the ways land is treated and used through material, intention and invested labour. Her practice is entwined with her rural location, and primarily concerned with traversing the complexities between people and plants. 

In 2016 Cara completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Hons.) at RMIT University, where she is also a current PhD Candidate. Recent solo exhibitions include Understory at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Overlay at The Santos Museum of Economic Botany and Semblance of Repair at Gallery Funaki. Cara also exhibits widely in group shows, nationally and internationally, notably Paper Art 2017 at CODA Museum in the Netherlands, Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2021 and in Schmuck in Munich in both 2022 and 2023. Cara's works are held in various public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria. carajohnson.com.au @cara__johnson


Cara Johnson, Cast back I, 2022, found river red gum fence post, found baling twine. Photo: Fred Kroh @fotokroh

What do you plan to do during your residency? 
" ... I'm a new mum, so Gunyah will provide a place to reflect and reconnect with my practice while my family is close by. New ways of working will emerge focused on encountered plants in an unfamiliar place and climate while also drawing on environmental impacts specific to Worimi country ..." 


Cara Johnson, Overlay (detail) 2022, found tree guard, found silage netting

Upcoming artist-in-residence: Taryn Raffan

Taryn Raffan

Taryn Raffan is a visual artist who currently lives on Meanjin Country in Brisbane QLD. She works across drawing, print, sculpture, assemblage and installation, to explore materials of dialogue alongside notions of isolation or comfort. Taryn's practice traverses some stark globalised realities and what is fantasised within ones own societal idea of attachment, belief, nature and spirituality. She has exhibited and participated in residencies in Australia, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland and the Netherlands. tarynraffan.com @taryn.raffan

Taryn Raffan, Earthbeds (lichen), 2014-2022, photograph printed on organza.

After caring for a parent for the last 10 years I am eagerly excited to get back into making during my residency at Gunyah, and preparing for upcoming exhibition at Airspace Projects, on Gadigal Land, in Sydney, in early August 2023. 

Taryn Raffan, Dust collector #1, 2021, wire, wool, and cotton thread.



Residency report: Jo Langdon

Jo Langdon, Gunyah lounge room

We arrived at Gunyah before dusk on the first day to bursts of wattle in the garden, and followed what my daughter Ada, 4, soon called the ‘crocodile rocks’: the stone steps to the jetty with its rock pools and perilous oyster shells. The space was immediately captivating and extraordinary—especially coming from a 2-bedroom apartment and Victoria’s cold June—with its pole structure and spaciousness, loft bedroom, exposed beams and cosy living room. (I especially enjoyed the warm shine of the floorboards and bright teal couch and window seat cushions—the main rooms glowed both in sunlight and firelight.)

Jo Langdon, Ada and the Gunyah window seat

Gunyah offered the impossible gifts of time and space, and new perspectives. The house has many ideal work positions, from the kitchen/dining table to the window seat and the downstairs studio desk, all of which offer views to the water through eucalypts. However, the steady days of sunshine made it hard to resist the deck outside, from where we glimpsed dolphins passing through the cove as well as kookaburras, king parrots, and at the jetty a very friendly white duck… before lighting the fireplace by late afternoon.

Jo Langdon, Ada and the duck at Gunyah 

From the house and on daily walks we watched the water in the cove change colour across the day, moving from a vivid sky blue to deep jade green to silver. Exploring North Arm Cove we encountered a wallaby, friendly border collie ‘stick dogs’ at the nearest public/shared beach, and endless ingredients for Ada to mix into witch potions and spells.

Jo Langdon, Dolphin sighting Gunyah jetty

I’m deeply grateful to Kath Fries and Sylvia Griffin, this year’s application judges, and to the rest of the Gunyah committee and community. This residency offered such a generous setting, and made it possible to undertake a residency flexibly, as a family with a young child—a factor which can often preclude artist and writer parents/caregivers from residency opportunities. During our stay I worked on existing sections of my poetry manuscript, revisited source texts—particularly on the artist Alina Szapocznikow—and drafted new poems, but I’m also excited to see how generative the experiences of Gunyah might be in translating into future works.

Jo Langdon, Gunyah maps


Gunyah residency report, June 2023
Jo Langdon (with Cameron Lowe and Ada Langdon-Lowe)



Jo Langdon, Gunyah jetty



Residency report: Virginia Hilyard & Fiona Kemp

Virginia Hilyard & Fiona Kemp working setup at Gunyah with rescue doggy Saint Susi

We both arrived at Gunyah feeling utterly exhausted from everyday life in Sydney and if the truth be told had decided, before arriving, that we needed a place to rest above artistic production. Very quickly however we felt healed by the gentle embrace of the trees that hold the house and the silence that seems ever present in this place. So much so that our daily ritual of rendezvousing at a designated time in the morning and working through until we were full happened from the get-go.

Gunyah twilight 

Gunyah jetty

What a delight it has been to leave this residency with a swag of newly developed work from the Russian archive of footage and sound we have had waiting in the wings since the taking part in a residency there in late 2018. Here are a couple of screen shots of the work in progress:

Virginia Hilyard & Fiona Kemp, work-in-progress forest beach screenshot 

Virginia Hilyard & Fiona Kemp, work-in-progress composite screenshot

What also needs to be acknowledged is the time spent not at the computer. Time spent meditating in the garden and near the dock, afternoon swims at Hawks Nest walks with our studio companion 15 year old rescue doggy Saint Susi, and cooking up delicious snacks in the well organised kitchen. Time that allowed us to muse about the work we were making and to let those musings guide the work. 

Walking around North Arm Cove

Rescue doggy Saint Susi

Thankyou Kath Fries for sharing this place with us. Our only regret is that we had to leave!

Our take home learning - CUT ON THE ACTION

Fiona on the rocks

Visiting Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest


Gunyah Residency Report, May 2023 
Virginia Hilyard & Fiona Kemp

Upcoming artist-in-residence: Jo Langdon

Jo Langdon - photo by Sarah Walker

Jo Langdon is a writer who lives on unceded Wadawurrung Country in Geelong/Djillong, Victoria. She is the author of two poetry collections: a chapbook, Snowline (Whitmore Press, 2012), co-winner of the Whitmore Press Manuscript Prize, and Glass Life (Five Islands Press, 2018). Jo's writing is also published in journals including Cordite Poetry Review, Griffith Review, Island, Meanjin, Overland and Southerly. In 2020 her short fiction was recognised in the Newcastle and Olga Masters short story awards, and she was the inaugural winner of the Rachel Funari Prize for Fiction. In 2018 Jo was a fellow of the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation's Sozopol Fiction Seminars in Bulgaria. She is also a casual academic who teaches into writing, literature and culture.

Glass Life, Jo Langdon, Five Islands Press, 2018

"... During my residency at Gunyah, I plan to complete my third poetry collection, TEMPER, which comprises new poetry interested in how female domestic experience 'figures' in art. My recent poems have included writing in response to the art and life of the Polish sculptor Alina Szapocznikow ..."

Snowline, Jo Langdon, Whitmore Press, 2012



Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)