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.



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