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
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